Revealed: Leeds United on track for £40m boost after Elland Road development
Revealed: Leeds United on track for £40m boost after Elland Road development
Leeds United can grow their matchday revenue to over £40million a year at a new stadium, Football Insider has been told.
Following their takeover of the club this summer, the 49ers Enterprises have laid out plans to expand Elland Road.
The Daily Mail added that Leeds’ new ownership group have put aside £200million for stadium development once the side returns to the Premier League.
It is understood that plans will be delayed while Leeds remain in the Championship, and the Whites have started their 2023/24 campaign poorly with a draw to Cardiff and a loss to Birmingham City.
Viva Mukherjee, a chartered accountant and football finance analyst, told Football Insider that a stadium expansion could help Leeds increase revenues by as much as 65 per cent.
“Leeds’ latest accounts stated matchday revenue was £24.5million in 2021/22.
“During that time, their average attendance was brilliant, with fans filling an average of 96 per cent of the capacity over the Premier League calendar.
“That £24.5million figure was achieved despite Leeds having the second-lowest season ticket prices in the Premier League at an average of £646.
“They also have a 22,000 waiting list for their season tickets, so filling a 55,000-capacity stadium won’t be an issue.
“Overall, I expect matchday revenue to rise to £40.4million at a new stadium – a 65 per cent increase on current revenue.”
In a related development:
Leeds United have been very busy in the summer transfer window, although unfortunately for fans that has mainly involved players leaving Elland Road.
Senior player Robin Koch, Max Wober, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen among others have all left on loan, with star striker Rodrigo leaving permanently.
New manager Daniel Farke has done his best to replace those who have left, with Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Sam Bryam and Joe Rodon all arriving this summer.
Whites fans will be desperate for those four to be joined by one or two more new faces after the club’s disappointing start to the season.
Recent rumours on social media have suggested that Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie could be next in the door at Elland Road, but the response from his manager Paul Heckingbottom strongly suggests that the Scotland international is going nowhere.
“Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom hopes the club can open contract talks with striker Oli McBurnie after laughing off speculation linking him to Leeds,” according to Sky Sports.
The Elland Road outfit aren’t exactly blessed with options in that area, but there is hope that Patrick Bamford can shake off his injury struggles to become a regular hitman in the months to come.
He can be supported by the likes of Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph, meaning there isn’t much need to bring McBurnie to the club this summer.
Heckingbottom’s verdict should come as a relief to Whites fans, as the signature of McBurnie wouldn’t really signal a very positive sign of intent from Farke.
