Kieran Maguire: 49ers are preparing for Leeds United Premier League return as ‘£100m-a-year’ plan revealed
The 49ers are trying to ‘future-proof’ Leeds United by setting aside £200million to expand Elland Road.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the challenges facing Leeds’ new owners.
As reported by the Daily Mail (25 July) that the 49ers have set aside as much as £200million as they plan to expand Elland Road’s capacity.
Football Insider revealed prior to that report (20 July) that the Leeds owners have drawn up plans to expand capacity to 55,000.
Former Whites owner Andrea Radrizzani previously stated that he planned to expand the venue during his ownership of the club, but the Italian sold his stake before being able to put his plan into action.
It is understood that the 49ers will only look to start their expansion plans when Leeds return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.
Maguire believes the 49ers have been ‘very sensible’ by setting money aside for infrastructure investment while the club focuses on their return to the Premier League this season.
“The 49ers Enterprises have been very sensible to set money aside for the expansion of Elland Road,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“They are trying to future-proof the club and trying to enhance revenues if – or when – the club returns to the Premier League.
“Should Leeds return to the top flight, it will be a very competitive environment they are entering and there are clubs generating more than £100million per year in terms of matchday revenues.
“Leeds have to be ready to compete with that in terms of what they can bring to the party so that they can have a competitive budget.“
In other news, Leeds United and Southampton told £20m Joel Piroe bid will be accepted