Kieran Maguire reveals 'big issue' at Leeds after update on Elland Road expansion
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani will demand "a significant proportion" of new seats at Elland Road to be at a high price point.
That is the view of football finance expert Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest on the planned expansion of the stadium.
According to The Athletic's Phil Hay (October 8th), "there's definite commitment" to adding approximately 20,000 more seats to Elland Road.
The club plan to upgrade the north, west and south stands as part of the major development.
It is reported that the Whites have a 20,000 waiting list for season tickets.
However, Maguire suspects a lot of the new seating will be corporate to help balance the books amid rising construction costs.
"Leeds as a Premier League club definitely has the capacity to sell 55,000 tickets every week," he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs. "I don't think that would be too much of a challenge.
"The big issue is construction costs are going up. Leeds have to get their sums right because it will not be cheap when you are dealing with an existing structure.
"I think Radrizzani would be looking for a significant proportion of those seats to be at a high price point, whether that be lounges or hospitality.
"Leeds is well known as a finance and legal centre so it can attract an audience from there. It will be domestic tourism though rather than global."