Leeds United’s majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani is said to be interested in a €1 billion purchase of Inter if he can shift his stakes in the Premier League club, but who is the man tipped to take over the Nerazzurri?
Radrizzani was born in Rho on the outskirts of Milan, but grew up as a childhood Juventus fan. He obtained a degree in public relations before going on to launch his own sports media distribution company in 1999.
With his firm MP & Silva, the media tycoon acquired the rights to broadcast the action from Premier League and Formula One in 51 countries across North Africa, the Middle East and in certain areas of Europe, before selling the company for $1 billion in 2014.
The sports mogul also sits on the board of OTT broadcasters DAZN.
In January 2017, Radrizzani secured 50% of Leeds United, becoming co-owner of the Yorkshire club with controversial compatriot Massimo Cellino.
A few months later, Radrizzani purchased Cellino’s shares in Leeds and became the sole owner and went on to lead Leeds back to the Premier League, ending their 16-year absence in 2020.
During that time, Radrizzani purchased Elland Road, becoming Leeds’ property again for the first time since 2004, he brought the men’s and women’s teams back together under one name and launched a partnership with the Aspire Academy in Qatar.
There was also a laughable attempt to change the Leeds crest to the ridiculous “Leeds Salute”, which he later abandoned after enormous criticism.
Also in 2018, Radrizzani sold a percentage of his shares in Leeds to 49ers Enterprises, who also own NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers.
The 48-year-old would need to sell the rest of his shares to 49ers Enterprises, or indeed to another party to raise the required funds if he is serious about purchasing Inter.