Leeds owner says club could compete with Man City if new investment plans go through

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani believes the club could compete with Manchester City if they receive the right investment.

The club are currently fifth in the Championship as they look to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004, having reached the play-off semi-finals last season.

Can Leeds compete with Man City? Five things to know…

• Leeds are currently fifth in the Championship.
• They have not featured in the Premier League since the 2003/04 season.
• The club have been as low as League One since.
• But owner Andrea Radrizzani believes Leeds could compete with Man City if they receive the right investment.
• PSG’s owners have been linked with investing in Leeds.

Radrizzani took ownership of the club in 2017, replacing the controversial Massimo Cellino, and is now looking for new investment to help Leeds back to the top of English football.

One of those linked with investing are Paris Saint-Germain owners Qatar Sports Investment, and Radrizzani believes their potential involvement could see Leeds replicate the current Premier League champions.

“I have been approached by more than 20 parties and I have selected these three,” Radrizzani told The Times.

“The option of Qatar Sports Investment and Nasser [al-Khelaifi, PSG president] — first of all they are friends, we have had a good relationship for a long time. Secondly, they have the possibility to bring this club to compete with Manchester City, so for the fans that could be a fantastic opportunity.

“The second is based in America, he’s a big fan of Leeds United since he was a child, and I like that.

“Another one is the owner of an Italian club. With another club you can create synergy to be more competitive and to target the Premier League — we could maybe get a loan to increase the quality of the team.”

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Radrizzani: I am a custodian of the club

Radrizzani went on to admit he would not be averse to selling more of his stake in Leeds, as his main aim is to see the club return to the Premier League – making them a big club once more for the fans.

“The most important thing for me is to make this club big again,” he added.

“When I will open the door to others I don’t know, hopefully when we are in the Premier League. The financial support would be more important in the Premier League.

“When it will be done, it doesn’t matter which share [I have], it matters that I can continue my project and also have the support to build this club back again.

“L’appetito vien mangiando, as we say in Italy — appetite comes while you are eating. I don’t need to sell but it is important to listen because I always remember I am a custodian of the club. If it was my own business I would treat it a bit differently.”

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