The increased capacity of Elland Road will allow Leeds United to compete with the biggest clubs in the country over time, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The Lowdown: Elland Road to be expanded
The Whites have battled their way back into the Premier League after nearly 20 years away and the aim is to now become an established top-flight side again.
One way that Leeds could achieve this is by expanding Elland Road, with the stadium’s capacity set to be increased in the near future and work set to begin on it next summer.
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The Latest: Expert makes exciting claim
Speaking to Football Insider, financial expert Maguire claimed the Elland Road expansion could help Leeds catch up with English powerhouses such as Liverpool and Manchester United, but stressed that it won’t happen immediately:
“It would help Leeds compete with the top six a lot better than at present.
“But, if you take a look at the top four they would still be some way ahead. Manchester United are at £600million, Liverpool are around half a billion and so are Man City.
“Spurs get £120million-a-year from their new stadium alone. It would allow Leeds to compete with the other ambitious clubs though.
“Revenue of £250million would allow them to compete with the likes of Villa, Everton and West Ham. Big stadiums do not necessarily turn into big bucks. You have to get the pricing right. Will it help? Yes. Will it help them breach the top six clubs? No.
“Leeds United are not going to be having commercial revenues of £150million in the way that Man United, Liverpool and Man City have.
“That is a gap that can only be bridged over a longer period of time.”
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The Verdict: Keep building
Leeds’ return to the big time under Marcelo Bielsa has been memorable but it is vital that their progress continues to build slowly and steadily in the coming years.
Reaching too high and ending up going backwards at this point would be a huge blow, potentially stunting the long-term growth of the club both on and off the pitch, so it is crucial that results remain strong while Andrea Radrizzani and co continue their timeline in the board room.
In other news, one Leeds player has been urged to sign a new deal at the club. Find out who it is here.