Sustainable growth: Andrea Radrizzani targets long-term success for Leeds United

Around seven months of talks with United owner Massimo Cellino have finally seen a deal brokered, with the Italian entrepreneur purchasing half of United’s shares through his company Aser Group Holding.

The stake was bought via a separate acquisition firm, Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd.

The deal is likely to be a precursor to Radrizzani seeking to buy out Cellino completely at the end of the season, with the 42-year-old recently revealing that he was acquiring a 50 per cent stake with a view to a full buy-out option.

United’s league position at the end of the season could dictate whether Cellino elects to sell his remaining half or not – with the club pushing for promotion back to the Premier League.

Expressing his delight at finally acquiring the 50 per stake, Radrizzani said: “I am delighted and proud to have acquired a 50 per cent stake in such a prestigious football club as Leeds United.

“I am excited by the challenge ahead and I will work alongside Massimo and everybody at the club to make Leeds United as successful as possible. I am fully aware of the great heritage and traditions of Leeds United and I will endeavour to be a fitting custodian on behalf of the many thousands of Leeds supporters, who are the lifeblood of the club.

“I am making a long-term commitment to Leeds United and will work to bring stability through ongoing investment. I aim to bring sustainable growth. I won’t do anything that will put the club’s future at risk.

“Through working in the sports industry for many years, I have developed a great passion for the English game and I am honoured to have become joint owner of one of the country’s biggest clubs. I am very impressed with the job Garry Monk has done this season and I will do all I can to support him and the team moving forward.”

Cellino, who is abroad in Miami, has owned Leeds since April 2014 and secured 100 per cent control last year, but is due to start an 18-month Football Association ban on February 1 after being found guilty of sanctioning an illegal payment during the sale of Ross McCormack to Fulham two and a half years ago. He plans to appeal.

Welcoming the news regarding Radrizzani, he said: “I’ve worked hard for the past three years for Leeds. I feel the only way we can get better is for me to bring in a new partner.

“Andrea is young and brings a new energy, as well as having good experience in football media, which is the future for all clubs.”

Radrizzani co-founded global sports media company MP & Silva in 2004 – which owns the exclusive distribution rights for the Premier League in south-east Asia until 2019 – and has strong connections in China.

The firm sold a 65 per cent stake to Chinese investment group Everbright Securities and internet entertainment firm Baofeng in May when it was reportedly valued at £685m.

The businessman was appointed president of Baofeng Sport International in June and helped broker the sale of Inter Milan to Chinese electronics company Suning in the same month.