Gary McAllister welcomes Leeds United’s Elland Road expansion | OneFootball

Gary McAllister has backed Leeds United’s Elland Road overhaul, with work under way to lift capacity from around 37,000 to 53,000 and meet UEFA Category four standards.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, this summer’s project also prioritises upgraded facilities and fan experience, plus wider plans for a mass transit link and up to 2,500 affordable homes.

The former midfielder said he is relieved proposals to relocate were shelved, adding that the ground looks tired and needs help, and that he is excited to see the revamped stadium.

First-team minds are on the expansion too, with Ilia Gruev referencing it in a recent interview with former club Werder Bremen. He also 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 for arrivals is higher, targeting upgrades to the starting XI rather than depth alone.

The expansion will significantly increase revenue streams, important under the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio. McAllister, a First Division title winner with Leeds, believes the owners view it as a big-city club and that the stadium’s atmosphere can attract players.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk