SURPRISE sporting superstars have been revealed as potential investors in a multi-million-pound takeover of struggling football giants Leeds United.
Rickie Fowler has revealed he is one of three top US golfers looking to get involved in Leeds as part of an imminent buy-out by 49ers Enterprises.
The American investment group is set to take charge of the club after agreeing a deal to purchase chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake.
And Fowler has now told of being converted to the Elland Road cause – along with fellow golfers Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner, and double PGA Championship title-holder Justin Thomas.
The trio – thought to have a combined net worth of £175million – became fans of the West Yorkshire club thanks to another player Matt Fitzpatrick’s Leeds-supporting caddie Billy Foster.
Sheffield-born Fitzpatrick won his first major, the US Open, in June last year.
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The American threesome’s new-found enthusiasm comes despite Leeds being relegated last month from the Premier League to the Championship, having gone through three managers in the past season – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and ex-England boss Sam Allardyce.
Fowler told Sky Sports News: “There’s the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds – myself, JT and Jordan, so potentially we’ll be a part of it.
“It’s cool to have these opportunities. I know we’re looking into it, and it would be fun if we get to be a part of it, if not we’ll continue to root for Leeds.
“Obviously they got relegated but to get to go to a Premier League game, a Champions League game – any of that.
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“It’s called football over there, we call it soccer here but it’s a massive sport and I feel like it is continuing to get bigger in the States.
“Since I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve been actually able to go and be there and feel that energy.”
Leeds confirmed that a deal had been reached with 49ers Enterprises last week, despite being forced back to the negotiating table in the wake of the team’s relegation to the Championship.
The American group, also the owner of NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, has been a majority shareholder in Leeds since 2018.
The firm increased its stake to 44 per cent in 2021, with the option of buying Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent before next January.
But the club’s recent relegation has seen its buy-out price plunge – reportedly from £400million to £170million.
Fowler said of caddie Foster’s influence: “We told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
