Leeds finally make Elland Road breakthrough two decades on from heartbreaking move

Leeds United are now full owners of Elland Road for the first time in 20 years.

The iconic stadium has been Leeds’ home since 1919, but was sold off in 2004 – the year they were relegated from the Premier League – during a period of financial difficulty for the club.

Now, owners 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC have assumed full control of the stadium once again.

In a statement, the club wrote: “We are delighted to announce Elland Road Limited is now wholly owned by Leeds United Football Club Limited.

“Elland Road Stadium has been the club’s home since 1919, but was sold in 2004 during a period of financial difficulty.

“In 2017, Elland Road was purchased by Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd, an Aser Group company, which at the time was the parent company of Leeds United Football Club Limited.

“Ownership of the stadium was then transferred, following the formation of a new company, to Elland Road Limited in December 2020.

“In July 2023, 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC assumed full control of Leeds United Football Club Limited and Elland Road Limited.

“On 27th March 2024, the ownership of Elland Road Limited was transferred to Leeds United Football Club Limited. This transaction ensures Elland Road Stadium is now back in full control of the club, for the first time since 2004.”

Elland Road is also an Asset of Community Value, which is formally approved and listed by Leeds City Council following an application by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.

According to the BBCthe stadium is valued at £26.2 million as a fixed asset and a full transfer of share capital was made in March 2024.

Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds, said in a statement: “Whilst this may seem like only a subtle change in corporate structure, I know that our supporters will understand its broader significance in signaling our ownership’s intent that Leeds United and Elland Road should always be inextricably bound.”

During the 49ers’ takeover negotiations, reports of outgoing chairman Andrea Radrizzani exploring the possibility of using Elland Road as security for his Sampdoria takeover emerged.

This never materialized, though, and the Americans took full control in March.

Leeds will compete in the Championship for a consecutive season this term.

They missed out on sealing promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final in May.