The 49ers will still push ahead with plans to expand Elland Road despite Leeds United failing to return to the Premier League this season.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that the 49ers will be keen to close the £100million gap to rivals Manchester United in terms of matchday income.
Since completing a takeover deal for Leeds last summer, the 49ers have expressed their desire to expand Elland Road to a capacity of 55,000.
As revealed by Football Insider, Leeds United chiefs accelerated plans to expand Elland Road after securing external investment for the project back in November.
Daniel Farke’s side were on the brink of returning to the Premier League this season but lost 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon (26 May).
Despite Leeds remaining in the Championship for 2024-25, Maguire is confident that they will continue their stadium expansion plans.
Leeds United stadium project to go ahead despite play-off defeat
“Leeds United can sell out a 50,000 seater stadium in the Championship or the Premier League,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“It’s a huge club.
“The 49ers have had a long-term strategic approach to their investment in Leeds and that will not be altered by a short-term bump in the road.
“The 49ers will have also done their sums and seen Manchester United generating £136million from ticket sales.
“It is £100million more than the £30million earned by Leeds – so while the two clubs are not rivals financially, Leeds are certainly aspirational and ambitious.
“The 49ers will see this as an area to address.“
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