Leeds United ‘get ball rolling’ on Elland Road expansion with new announcement

Leeds United are making inroads on and off the pitch as they prepare for their Premier League return.

After a phenomenal Championship season, the Peacocks have already signed Luka Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw.

Leeds are also closing in on a deal to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson to replace the departed Junior Firpo, with plenty more to follow.

The 49ers have already confirmed plans to expand the capacity of Elland Road to 53,000, which has impressed Henry Winter and others alike.

Gudmundsson Leeds United
Credit: Imago

Leeds United submit Elland Road planning application

The Elland Road development could see Leeds stage major sporting events in the future.

It has been reported that the changes to Leeds’ home mean they could join the list of 16 venues ready to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

There had been some concerns that the 49ers could offer up the naming rights to Elland Road, but they hold no such plans to do so.

Now, it has been confirmed that the Whites have submitted a formal planning application to Leeds City Council to redevelop Elland Road into a 53,000 capacity stadium on 8 July.

VenueClubCapacity
Old TraffordMan United74,310
Tottenham Hotspur StadiumTottenham62,850
London StadiumWest Ham62,500
Emirates StadiumArsenal60,704
The largest club stadiums by capacity in England

The development emerges after the Yorkshire outfit held public consultations throughout the last three months to get feedback from supporters and the local community on their plans.

Leeds want to bring Elland Road in line with UEFA’s elite as a Category 4 stadium and aim to improve facilities as well as the matchday experience for supporters.

Furthermore, the application will allow the Elland Road capacity to increase to 56,500 if they so please.

Leeds to add Premier League quality on the pitch

While the news regarding Elland Road is pleasing, it is on the pitch where Daniel Farke needs Premier League nous.

The Whites have utilised the foreign leagues already this window, and now there is news of English transfer targets.

Leeds are closing in on a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, who has one year remaining on his contract.

With a deal close to being agreed, Leeds are primed to add Premier League quality to their ranks.

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