Kieran Maguire: Leeds United face ‘Massive Decision’ on quitting Elland Road after 49ers deal
Leeds United face a “massive decision” on whether to leave Elland Road, the club’s home for over a century.
That is according to football finance guru and new Football Insider columnist Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively after San Franciso 49ers increased their stake in the club from 15% to 37% on Monday of last week.
The club’s stadium has been the subject of much discussion surrounding the NFL team’s share purchase.
Speaking in a recent press-conference, majority shareholder Andre Radrizzani revealed: “My dream – and I think I share the same dream with Paraag Marathe [49ers President] – is to have one of the big European nights in a new stadium with Leeds United.”
And Maguire believes the prospect of the West Yorkshire club either expanding their ground or moving to a new home entirely is very real…
He told Football Insider: “I think they are keen to expand capacity. Whether that’s at a bigger Elland Road or they move to a new ground, that’s a long-term option. That’s a massive decision to be made.
“Leeds is a big city club that has been sleeping in the Championship and San Francisco 49ers are looking to exploit that.
“But the guy from 49ers [Marathe], he’s now the Vice Chairman at Leeds. He’s going to be more involved on a day-to-day basis and use some of the 49ers commercial acumen to further enhance Leeds’ revenue.”
Elland Road has been Leeds’ home since the club was founded in 1919, undergoing various redevelopments in that time.
Leeds’ facilities have been under the spotlight in recent weeks as the club were forced to spend £300,000 on an emergency new playing surface.
In other news, a former Leeds United star has said Marcelo Bielsa could be without Diego Llorente for a long time.