Recent comments from former Everton CEO Keith Wyness have sparked discussion about Leeds United’s long-term plans for a new stadium.
Wyness, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, suggested that any major developments at Elland Road would only begin once Leeds had secured their position in the Premier League for at least two consecutive seasons. he insists that being in the Championship is a ‘problem’ for Daniel Farke’s side, something fans are sure to concur with.
Leeds have explored various options over recent years to expand or rebuild their historic Elland Road ground. However, following their relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2022/23 season, those plans were put on hold. Wyness noted that while Leeds is a club with a large and passionate fan base, remaining outside the top tier creates financial and strategic obstacles for any large-scale project.
“You’ve got to stay in the Premier League for a couple of years before you even consider a new stadium for Leeds,” Wyness stated. “I’ve always said you need to be in the top division for five years before you’re considered stable. You’ve only got to look at some of the clubs in danger of relegation.
“Leeds is a big club, it would fill a new stadium without doubt. But they would like to see a bit more stability, and they missed that chance when they were relegated last time. It’s a problem for Leeds, and they’ve got to get it sorted.”
Wyness emphasized that Leeds, despite being one of the larger clubs in English football, needs stability before committing to such a transformative move.
Expanding Elland Road
While a new stadium could be an exciting prospect for Leeds United supporters, the club’s current focus seems to be on expanding Elland Road itself. The club announced in July that they had officially regained ownership of the stadium, which had been sold in 2004 due to financial difficulties. Currently, Elland Road holds 37,792 spectators and has been consistently filled to capacity in recent seasons.
The plans to expand the stadium have been in development for several years. Initially, Leeds had considered constructing a new training ground alongside the expansion, but these plans were later scrapped. Instead, the club shifted focus to increasing the stadium’s capacity to around 55,000 seats, a move that would not only enhance matchday experience but also improve the club’s commercial capabilities.
Phil Hay of The Athletic has previously reported that Leeds have been in contact with at least one major architectural firm regarding the redevelopment of Elland Road. Expanding the stadium is viewed as key to strengthening the club’s revenue streams and supporting its growth. Hay also suggested that the 49ers Enterprises, the owners of Leeds United, could unveil more concrete plans before the end of the year. “A larger, more modern home is seen as the most crucial way of giving United greater commercial strength,” Hay wrote.
Angus Kinnear, Leeds United’s CEO, has previously stated that expansion was conditional on the club remaining in the Premier League. He noted that construction would not begin immediately, even if they avoided relegation.
However, this expansion won’t come cheap. Football finance expert Daniel Plumley indicated that the cost of redevelopment could reach “tens of millions” of pounds. While a full stadium reconstruction, as seen with Tottenham and Everton, would cost hundreds of millions, Leeds’ more modest expansion plans would still require significant financial investment.
49ers Enterprises and Leeds United’s Ownership
The 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, took control of Leeds United in the summer of 2023. The group had been gradually increasing its stake in the club over the previous years before completing a full takeover. Leeds announced the transition of ownership following approval from the English Football League.
Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, has been vocal about his commitment to preserving the historic character of Elland Road. In a previous interview, Marathe expressed his desire to protect the “magic and electricity” of the ground, indicating that the club would prioritize expansion rather than relocating to a new stadium. “I’ll be honest with you, the main thing is to protect the magic and electricity that is in Elland Road,” Marathe said.
The 49ers’ ambition is clear: to create a modern, competitive football club while respecting its traditions. However, as Wyness suggested, the first priority will be ensuring that Leeds can establish itself as a stable Premier League team before launching into expensive redevelopment projects.
Writer’s View
The recent discussions surrounding Leeds United’s stadium future highlight both the club’s potential and its challenges. Stability in the Premier League is key before any major development can take place, and Wyness’ comments underline the importance of patience. Leeds has the fanbase to support a larger stadium, but financial prudence is needed to avoid overstretching.
While expanding Elland Road makes sense commercially, Leeds must first focus on securing promotion and maintaining their status in the top flight. Without that, any major financial outlay on a stadium project could become a burden rather than a boost.
