Leeds United could be about to receive an influx of cash from board member and San Francisco 49ers kingpin Paraag Marathe, following the signing of a new document.
The United States' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have registered a new Venture Capital Fund under the name '49ers Enterprises Leeds II SPV', which has been signed off on by Marathe, according to The Times.
While there are no indications of Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani ceding any significant power at the club, it does suggest Marathe is increasing his share in the club and further investment could be imminent.
This is because a similar fund was set up and used as a financial vehicle for Marathe and the 49ers' initial investment in Leeds back in 2018.
Then, a fund by the name of 49ers Enterprises Leeds SPV, otherwise known as 'Leeds I' was set up, which set the ball rolling for Marathe's NFL franchise to initially purchase their 13% holding in the club.
It could mean a number of things, but the most obvious appears to be that Marathe is readying himself to pledge yet more money towards the Premier League side, as he looks to foster closer links between his sporting holdings.
In October, Andrea Radrizzani was quoted as saying that the club's minority investors - the 49ers - were having conversations about increasing their financial standing within the club.
"We have minority partners the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL that have expressed interest in increasing their participation in shareholding," Radrizzani told La Nacion.
'Leeds II' which was set up a matter of weeks ago could be the Fund which sets this second round of investment in motion.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the recent developments can only spell good news for the club.
"An American firm setting up a fund called ‘Leeds’, it gives you more than half an idea.
“You don’t need to look too deep into that but it really looks like fresh investment is coming into Leeds," Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
The goalkeeper-turned-pundit described Marathe's 49ers as a sporting superpower, and that the possibility of Leeds following a similar path would be "fantastic."
The timing of Leeds' latest expected windfall is interesting, considering it could fall during - or just before - the month of January, which coincides with the winter transfer window.
Leeds have not explicitly expressed a desire to do business in the January market, with Marcelo Bielsa notably not a huge fan of moving for players midway through the campaign.
However, additional investment could free up funds for Leeds to flex their new-found financial muscle if a particular target becomes available or Victor Orta hears that their asking price has dropped.
