Leeds United were unprepared when the club were promoted to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in a number of different ways in terms of playing squad, backroom staff and behind the scenes.
One of those issues has been altered in that there are now a number of players in the transfer department whereas beforehand, it was just Victor Orta ruling the roost over who was signed and who left the club.
It was Orta’s way and there was little opposition to challenge him. But now, Leeds have Nick Hammond, Gretar Steinsson and Jordan Miles with the latter joining the club from Aberdeen in February after links.
Another area is Elland Road with the demand far exceeding the capacity, which currently stands at just less than 40,000.
As things stand, full capacity at Leeds means 37,890 fans squeeze into the Whites’ stadium.
49ers making moves to expand Elland Road
If Leeds were in the Premier League right now, then we would have the eleventh biggest capacity stadium.
But given Daniel Farke’s side is a one-club city, there is feeling that Leeds are missing out on extra revenue.
The 49ers are looking to correct that by expanding Elland Road closer to the 50,000 mark and a report from iNews states that the board have held ‘further talks’ with shareholders in and around the city.
The move to 50,000 is deemed ‘fairly essential’ if Leeds are to keep pace with clubs such as Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle who all sit between 40,000 and 55,000.
The 49ers moving with times where Andrea Radrizzani did not
It is a sign that Leeds are moving on from the Andrea Radrizzani era where Leeds seemed stuck in their ways and unwilling to change. The 49ers, however, are moving with the times.
If Leeds do go up, then it will see the 49ers bring in a much bigger share of revenue every home game with the demand clearly present.
It will also bolster Leeds’ transfer budget and help ease the worries over Financial Fair Play regulations.
In a time where clubs are being deducted points for breaking PSR rules, larger incoming revenue that is self-generated will only help the growth of Leeds
And it’s pleasing to hear that The 49ers are here for it.