Leeds United given money enhance by two golf icons as shut associates spend money on membership

Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have put their religion in Leeds United making a swift return to the Premier League after agreeing to make a minority funding within the Yorkshire membership. But fellow PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler has ended his involvement following the membership’s relegation to the Championship.

United’s present minority homeowners 49ers Enterprises have reached an settlement with present chairman Andrea Radrizzani to take a controlling stake of the membership – a deal that also must be ratified by the English Football League.

And it’s through the funding arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers that Spieth and Thomas have agreed to buy their very own stake within the Elland Road outfit on the daybreak of a brand new period for the membership.

A deal had already been agreed for the California-based buyers to turn out to be majority shareholders earlier than the top of final season, however following the membership’s subsequent relegation, the sale charge was negotiated right down to £170m.

Spieth confirmed his personal involvement when talking to Sky Sports. The three-time main winner mentioned: “Relegation wasn’t ideal, but we got involved with the 49ers group. We thought it would be a cool opportunity.

“It’s a big city, historic club, great venue in Elland Road, and once we looked into it we realised it could be really exciting. They renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal – as long as they can get promoted soon.

“It’s done, myself and Justin with a minority stake. The 49ers beat my [Dallas] Cowboys every year, so if you can’t beat them, join them.”

Spieth is at present within the UK on the Scottish Open, as he prepares to try to win the fourth main of his profession in Hoylake, Wirral on the Open Championship subsequent week.

The Texan defined how he had turn out to be a fan of English soccer lately. He mentioned: “We’re just watching, but I’m really excited to have a team that I’m emotionally invested in. I’ve watched Premier League soccer now for the last few years pretty intently. It will be Championship soccer now and hopefully Premier League very soon.”

When quizzed on Fowler’s doable involvement, he mentioned: “I don’t think so, no. I think he decided, once they were relegated, against it.”

Since arriving within the UK, Spieth has already made a go to to the Wimbledon Championships however admitted {that a} journey to Elland Road is likely to be a tall order on this explicit event.

“It was cloudy, we were hoping that we’d see it on the way up. That would have been quite a drive. We flew right over. We’re not too far from it from Liverpool [at the Open next week] but I don’t know if it will work on this trip. I’d love to get there someday,” he added.