Leeds City Council have confirmed that they will discuss the possibility of Leeds United building a new training ground in a city centre location at an upcoming executive board meeting.  

Leeds owner, Andrea Radrizzani, is understood to be keen to move the Whites away from their Thorp Arch training ground, which is located in Wetherby.

The council are considering two sites for the proposed new facilities in a central area – Matthew Murray High School in south Leeds, which was demolished over 10 years ago, and Fullerton Park, which is situated next to Leeds’ Elland Road stadium.

The site where the Matthew Murray High School once stood would be the club and academy training ground, whilst there are plans to build a ‘Community Sport Village’ on the Fullerton Park site, directly next to Elland Road.

Both designs would meet the Premier League’s Category 1 status.

Talks are set to take place between council members next week, which if approved, will lead to further discussions between Leeds United and the council.

Radrizzani moved to buy Leeds’ Elland Road stadium back shortly after completing his takeover of the club during the summer, but it was revealed that Leeds had no option to buy their Thorp Arch training ground back at the same time.

The Verdict

This is an exciting piece of news for Leeds’ supporters, and further evidence of Radrizzani’s long-term commitment to the Whites.

Leeds’ current training facility is to far away from the city centre, and locating it closer to Elland Road is a smart move from Radrizzani.

The acquisition of Elland Road earlier this summer was an indication of Radrizzani’s intention at Leeds, and this is another shrewd move from the Italian, who appears to have major plans for the future of the Whites.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!