49ers and Leeds United could accelerate Elland Road rebuild in weeks, Thorp Arch may be left behind
Leeds United could be set for a £100 million revamp of its Elland Road stadium if the club win the battle to stay in the Premier League, in a report by Ian Ladyman for the Daily Mail.
If Sam Allardyce can steer the Whites away from the threat of relegation, it is expected that the full takeover of the club by the 49ers Enterprises will happen.
However, an ominous warning of uncertainty has been sounded in regard to the intentions of the US entity if the club falls down into the Championship.
Ladyman set out the situation that has the potential to transform the landscape for the Whites if Big Sam can pull off the great escape.
“As for the bigger picture, that is less clear,” he said.
“Leeds are part-owned by an offshoot of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise and a 44 per cent stake is expected to become a full buy-out this summer if Leeds remain in the Premier League.
“With that would come investment in the squad and an acceleration of £100 million plans to upgrade Elland Road into a 60,000-capacity stadium and move the club’s training facility from Wetherby into the city.
“It would, in short, be the start of a new future for a football club that has already seen a 98 per cent take-up on season tickets for 2023-24 with a further 20,000 fans on a waiting list.”
No margin for error
It was essential that Leeds took something from Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United but the one point gained from the draw may not be enough.
Patrick Bamford failed to capitalise on the chance to give his team a two-goal lead and in the end, there was a limited sense of relief when Rasmus Kristensen’s goal earned something from the game.
The situation could have been worse, but after Everton lost to Manchester City on Sunday, everyone knows what is at stake and there is no margin for error with just two fixtures remaining.
Leeds must at least match the Toffees result next weekend, but the contest at the London Stadium will be a huge challenge against a West Ham side that will either be celebrating or looking to bounce back, in regard to their hopes of sealing a European final place this week.
Next Sunday is a must-win game for the Whites.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers’ £1billion dream is set to go up in smoke.