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According to reports and rumours on the internet today, Massimo Cellino is out and co-owner Andrea Radrizzani is 100% in. Some less-than-reputable outlets are saying it’s a done deal, while others whom we trust are saying it’ll be finished in the next few days.
The move, if true, completes Radrizzani’s plan to be the sole owner of the club following his purchase of 50 percent in January. The deal was resting on the price for Cellino’s half of the club, which was dependent on which league the Whites would be in next season.
Leeds United 3 v 3 Norwich #LUFC pic.twitter.com/jJ0DS5jxUq
— #WALMOT (@WALM0T33) April 29, 2017
Following the 3-3 draw at Norwich over the weekend, Leeds sits at 74 points, three points behind Fulham who sit in the final playoff spot for the Premier League. We will be in the Championship next season, barring a 14-goal win at Wigan on Sunday.
As part of his deal for 50 percent in January, Cellino — the former Cagliari owner — gave Radrizzani the option to purchase the remaining stake at the end of the season.
UPDATE: Radrizzani close to 100 per cent buy-out and will hold talks with Garry Monk before Sunday's game at Wigan:https://t.co/jkiMtepG9Y pic.twitter.com/QCdILr9iil
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) May 3, 2017
In other moves, Radrizzani has named Ivan Bravo — former Real Madrid chief — and West Ham’s managing director Angus Kinnear to the club’s board of directors. Reports are that Kinnear will be the club’s next chief executive.
Re the new #lufc appointment pic.twitter.com/dVwk8REzx6
— Oliver Hulme (@kohulme) May 3, 2017
Radrizzani is the co-founder and vice chairman of MP & Silva Worldwide, an international media company; chairman and founder of Eleven Sports Network and; chairman and founder of Play for Change. More about him can be found here, here, and here. (We love the guy.)
Oh, and of course, here:
It really happened. 50% of #LUFC goes to Andrea Radrizzani, and the world rejoices. #MOT https://t.co/PldjNlCxtT
— Thru It All Together (@ThruItAllLUFC) January 4, 2017
A few questions come with this latest news from Elland Road:
1. What is the status of manager Garry Monk? Fans (including us) have been calling for Monk to get a long-term deal with the club but, so far, nothing. Could Radrizzani’s sole ownership push the Italian to solidifying club leadership ahead of the summer transfer window? Signs point to yes. Leeds has the option to renew the deal for a year, if Radrizzani so chooses.
"As far as I'm concerned, there's no decision to make." Eddie Gray joins the calls for an extension to Monk's deal:https://t.co/KVxdVs7LxQ pic.twitter.com/6oT1UR5yj3
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) May 3, 2017
2. What does it mean for current chief executive Ben Mansford? The former Barnsley man came to Elland Road in June last year. Would bringing Kinnear in from West Ham send Mansford packing (likely), or could there be another position within the club?
3. What about Elland Road? Radrizzani’s sole ownership could also clear the way for the club to buy back Elland Road (something the fans have wanted for some time now). Or, might Radrizzani decide it would be better to build anew?
So many questions. We’ll keep you updated as the drama plays out, and of course, Wigan is still to come on Sunday. Check back here at Through It All Together for more on Wigan, Radrizzani, Monk, and everything Leeds United in the days to come.