LEEDS have struck a deal with energy drink firm Red Bull to help power them back to the Premier League.

United fell short of an immediate return to the top flight this season after losing to Southampton in the play-off final.

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The partnership will see the Austrian-based company become the team’s shirt sponsor and buy a minority stake in the Championship side.

Red Bull already own a number of football teams including RB Leipzig in Germany, Salzburg in Austria and MLS’ New York Red Bulls.

They also own the current F1 world champions Red Bull Racing and sister team Visa Cash App RB – formerly known as AlphaTauri.

The move sees their first investment into English football as they will take a shareholding, alongside majority owners 49ers Enterprises’ group.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club.

“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future.

“Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”

A statement of Leeds website added: “Today’s announcement that Red Bull will be joining forces with Leeds United reinforces the international popularity and significance of the club.

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“Beginning in the 2024/2025 season, Leeds United will feature Red Bull branding on the front of Leeds United men’s and women’s first team kits.

Another Hollywood A-lister and fellow Leeds investor is Russell Crowe, who watched the side on Match of the Day while he was growing up in New Zealand.

“Red Bull will also become the club’s Exclusive Energy Drink Partner with branding featured inside Elland Road and during the club’s official media appearances.”

Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, added: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United.

“A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history.

“The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull.

“We look forward to the partnership and are optimistic and energized about the future.”