Leeds United Releases Official Statement on Major Changes by New Owners, Sparking Widespread Discussion Among Fans
Leeds United Football Club, fresh off securing promotion to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season, has ignited a firestorm of debate among its passionate fanbase following an official statement detailing significant organizational changes spearheaded by the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises. The announcement, released on April 30, 2025, outlined key leadership promotions and the departure of long-serving chief executive Angus Kinnear, prompting a mix of excitement, concern, and speculation about the club’s future direction.
The statement, published on the club’s official website, confirmed that Angus Kinnear, a pivotal figure in Leeds’ recent history, will leave his role as chief executive at the end of the season. In his place, Robbie Evans has been promoted to managing director, while Adam Underwood has been elevated to sporting director. These appointments, described as a “recognition of the depth of our leadership team,” aim to build on Leeds’ “significant sporting and business achievements” over the past two seasons, according to chairman Paraag Marathe.
Evans, who joined Leeds in 2023 as chief strategy officer, has been instrumental in overseeing recruitment and football analytics. His prior experience includes a key role in stadium development with the San Francisco 49ers, aligning with the club’s ambitions to expand Elland Road. Underwood, a Leeds veteran of over a decade, will now oversee player trading, football operations, performance, medical management, and the academy, in addition to his existing responsibilities.
Marathe expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, “These appointments reflect our commitment to building a high-performing club led by individuals who represent Leeds United inside and out.” The statement also hinted at broader strategic shifts, with fans and analysts interpreting it as a signal of 49ers Enterprises’ intent to modernize and globalize the club’s operations.
Since completing their full takeover of Leeds United from Andrea Radrizzani in July 2023 for approximately £170 million, 49ers Enterprises—led by Marathe and San Francisco 49ers chief executive Jed York—has steadily reshaped the club. Initially acquiring a 15% stake in 2018, the group increased its share to 44% before assuming full control following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League. The takeover included securing ownership of Elland Road, a move celebrated by fans after years of uncertainty under previous owners.
The 49ers have since injected significant capital, with high-profile minority investors like actor Will Ferrell, Russell Crowe, Michael Phelps, and Jordan Spieth joining the fold. In May 2024, Red Bull acquired a minority stake, becoming the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor and exclusive energy drink partner, further boosting Leeds’ commercial profile. These developments have positioned Leeds as a club with global ambitions, but the latest changes have raised questions about how the 49ers’ vision aligns with the club’s traditional identity.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across fan forums, social media, and X, with supporters divided over the implications of the changes. Many fans welcomed the promotions of Evans and Underwood, seeing them as a continuation of the club’s data-driven recruitment strategy, which has yielded successes like the signing of Ao Tanaka. “Robbie Evans has been a quiet genius behind the scenes,” one fan posted on X. “His analytics work helped us dominate the Championship. This is a smart move.”
Others, however, expressed unease about Kinnear’s departure and the broader direction under the 49ers. Kinnear, who served as chief executive since 2017, was a polarizing figure but earned praise for his role in stabilizing the club under Radrizzani and facilitating the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa, which led to Premier League promotion in 2020. His exit, coupled with rumors of his potential move to Everton, has fueled speculation about internal tensions. “Kinnear’s been a big part of our revival,” a supporter tweeted. “Losing him feels like a gamble, especially with the Premier League looming.”
The timing of the announcement, just days after Leeds secured promotion with a 4-0 thrashing of Bristol City, added to the intensity of the debate. Some fans questioned why such significant changes were announced during a moment of celebration, with one X post reading, “Why drop this now? Let us enjoy the promotion first!” Others saw it as a strategic move to prepare for the challenges of the Premier League, where Leeds will face increased financial and competitive pressures.
Adding fuel to the fire, the statement’s silence on manager Daniel Farke’s future has intensified rumors about his position. Farke, who led Leeds to promotion with a potentially record-breaking 100-point Championship season, has been linked with uncertainty despite his success. National newspapers have reported that the club considered replacing him, with names like Kjetil Knutsen and Edin Terzić mentioned as potential candidates.
Fans are split on Farke’s suitability for the Premier League. While some credit him for transforming Leeds into a dominant force, others worry his pragmatic style may struggle against top-flight opposition. Leeds legend Eddie Gray recently weighed in, suggesting Farke deserves the chance to manage in the Premier League but urging the board to provide clarity. “Daniel’s done a fantastic job, but the club needs to back him fully,” Gray said.
On X, the debate rages on, with one user posting, “Farke’s earned his shot, but the 49ers seem ruthless. If they’re shaking up the boardroom, who’s to say the manager’s safe?” Another countered, “Farke’s the reason we’re back in the Prem. Sacking him would be madness.” The lack of reassurance about Farke in the official statement has only amplified these concerns.
The leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for Leeds, as the club pushes forward with plans to expand Elland Road from 37,645 to approximately 53,000 seats. On April 29, 2025, Leeds unveiled concept images for the redevelopment, backed by Leeds City Council’s approval to negotiate land sales for the project. The expansion, expected to cost over £100 million, is seen as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ vision to elevate Leeds into a “sporting superpower.”
Promotion to the Premier League, with its minimum £200 million in TV revenue over three years and enhanced sponsorship deals (e.g., Adidas at £10 million and Red Bull’s ballooning deal), provides financial firepower for these ambitions. However, fans are wary of the club’s compliance with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), especially given wage rises of 50-60% and six-figure promotion bonuses for players. The appointment of Evans, with his financial acumen, suggests a focus on balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility.
The changes reflect 49ers Enterprises’ broader strategy to transform Leeds into a global brand, leveraging their NFL expertise and high-profile investors. Reports indicate the 49ers are exploring a multi-club model, with technical director Gretar Steinsson set to take a broader role in their global football group. This has led to speculation about potential sister clubs, though no concrete plans have emerged.
For some fans, this vision is thrilling. “The 49ers are thinking big—Elland Road upgrades, global partnerships, maybe even a multi-club setup. This could be our Man City moment,” one supporter posted on X. Others, however, fear the club’s soul could be diluted. “Leeds is about passion, not corporate branding,” another fan wrote. “I don’t want us turning into a Red Bull clone.” The minority stake held by Red Bull, coupled with their prominent branding, has heightened these concerns.
As Leeds prepare for their final Championship match against Plymouth Argyle on May 3, 2025, and a potential title parade, the focus is shifting to the summer transfer window. The club has been linked with players like Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, West Brom’s Grady Diangana, and Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, signaling an aggressive recruitment drive.
The leadership changes, particularly Underwood’s expanded role in player trading, suggest a streamlined approach to transfers, building on successes like Manor Solomon’s permanent move from Tottenham. However, fans are eager for transparency, especially regarding Farke’s future and the club’s long-term strategy. A public consultation for the Elland Road expansion, set for May 22-23, 2025, will provide another opportunity for supporters to engage with the 49ers’ vision.
