Leeds install new £300,000 pitch bought from Prem rivals

Matthew Briggs 22 Jan 2021 10:39 AM

Leeds are installing a new £300,000 playing surface at Elland Road in time for their next home game against Everton in 12 days.

The Whites’ pitch came in for heavy criticism during last weekend’s defeat to Brighton.

Leeds said in a statement: “Following the effects of recent weather in the region, Leeds United are re-turfing Elland Road with a hybrid pitch, which will be installed ahead of our Premier League game with Everton on February 3.

“Plans are already in place to work with Hewitt Sportsturf on a complete pitch reconstruction at Elland Road, which will include a brand-new state of the art drainage system and this work will commence in May.

“However, following consultation with the board and playing staff, the club have invested in a short-term solution, which will improve the pitch for the remaining games of the 2020/21 campaign.”

The current pitch will be removed over the weekend and replaced with new surface, which will be laid by early next week.

The club’s head of facilities Mark Broadley added: “After the recent heavy rainfall and snow, it became evident that the current system was unable to cope and as a result was struggling to retain sufficient stability in the top surface.

“We reviewed all options available and agreed the best possible solution was to remove the top surface and install the hybrid turf system HT Pro as seen at Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City.”

Leeds' replacement pitch will see them through to the end of the season, when a full installation of a new pitch is planned. Surface has been acquired from Spurs, who were growing it for use at their own stadium further down the line. Costing £300k. #lufc

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 22, 2021

Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear said in his programme notes on Saturday that the club were unable to undertake “a full reconstruction” of the playing surface last summer because the close season had been cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Athletic reporter Phil Hay claims the pitch will cost £300,000 after being acquired from Spurs.

Traore speculation

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester City could be ready to battle it out to sign Adama Traore after Leeds ruled out a move for the Wolves winger.

The Spaniard has caught the eye of both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola after some scintillating displays against the two Premier League giants.

Barcelona have also been linked with the jet-heeled forward.

Latest reports suggest a switch to another Premier League club is more likely. And Spanish outlet Sport say Liverpool, City and Leeds have shown most interest.

Leeds already have a link to the player. The Whites’ director of football, Victor Orta, signed Traore from Middlesbrough in 2016.

However, Leeds Live have poured scorn on a repeat. In fact, they say the idea of Traore moving to Elland Road is “pure fantasy”.