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Finance Expert shares state-of-the-art update on Leeds United plans for new training ground
We’re delighted to welcome football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Dan Plumley has insisted that it will not be cheap for Leeds United to move on from Thorp Arch to a new training base in the city and closer to Elland Road.
The Daily Mail has reported that the 49ers Enterprises have plans to do just that along with the redevelopment of Elland Road, something which may be put on hold if relegated this weekend.
The finance expert insisted that it could cost up to £100million if they were to go all out on the new build, comparing it to Leicester’s recent development.
“It’s not cheap but it does depend on how state of the art you want it to be,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“You’ve got to look at recent examples, Leicester’s is one that people talk about and that was tracking at around £100million, but it was really up there as Grade A state of the art.
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“You’ve got a budget to work with and that’s on the club to decide, it is going to be costly, but that depends on how far you want to push it, but it’s certainly in the tens of millions, and up to £100million if you’re really going all out.
“But, the other thing is, wider for the club and where it is at, it seems to make better sense for it to be in the city centre, there are greater opportunities that open up there for movement of players in and out, developing players, having them close to the first-team.
“Everything about that just makes sense, so it is a significant investment but one that most will say is a good idea if you’re looking to kick on in the future and build the club around the city.”
This is the dilemma facing the 49ers, who will likely be ready for relegation, just in case.
It is very likely that the Whites will be dropping down to the Championship again, so the main goal will be rebuilding on the pitch, as well the finances, so plans like this will have to wait.
They will certainly continue in the background though, do not rule that out.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.