Gary McAllister welcomes Elland Road expansion and facelift | OneFootball

Gary McAllister says he is really excited to see Elland Road transformed, welcoming Leeds United’s planned stadium upgrade.

As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, work is already under way this summer to increase capacity from around 37,000 to 53,000 and to reach UEFA’s Category 4 through extensive facilities and fan experience improvements.

The wider plan includes a mass transit link and up to 2,500 affordable homes around the ground. “There were talks about moving away from Elland Road - I'm so glad they haven't,” McAllister said. “I'm really pleased that they're staying at Elland Road.”

“I've seen the pictures. Amazing. In all honesty, Elland Road is a bit tired at the moment. It needs help. So, I'm really excited to see the new stadium, but it definitely needs it.”

Ilia Gruev has referenced the project in a recent interview with former club Werder Bremen, and highlighted 49ers Enterprises’ ambition to keep improving on and off the pitch.

The 49ers are expected to invest in Daniel Farke’s squad again this summer, after spending around £100 million following Championship promotion. Chairman Paraag Marathe has said the bar is higher for signings who must improve the starting XI rather than add depth.

The expansion and wider development will significantly increase Leeds’ revenue streams, an important factor under the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio. McAllister, part of the club’s First Division title-winning side, said Elland Road’s atmosphere can attract players and that the owners see a big city club.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk