The Premier League is far different from the Championship, and Leeds United will find out first hand next season. The Whites go up a division and will meet quality teams.
Newly promoted sides have not fared well in recent seasons. It has now been consecutive years that all three new sides have been sent back down to the Championship. Leicester City and Ipswich Town were automatically promoted in 2023/24 as Leeds missed out. The two sides failed to hit 30 points in the top flight, despite both having 80+ points in the Championship.
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Quality is absolutely necessary in the Premier League. You cannot survive if you go out with the same team you had in the Championship. Leeds have done a great job recruiting this summer, adding experienced names from top European Leagues.
The Whites are about to add a fourth signing this summer, as Lille left back Gabriel Gudmundsson finalizes details over a move.
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Leeds United star given warning about refereeing
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One thing the fans will have to understand is the difference between Europe’s top leagues. This sometimes affects how new signings adapt to England.
Refereeing, for new defenders and midfielders, is so different in England. Some foreign players have a hard time adapting to the refereeing in the Premier League. Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has warned that it could affect Jaka Bijol next season:
“He’s [Bijol] a terrific signing for Leeds and the Premier League. Watch this space. The atmosphere at Elland Road is remarkable, and I’m sure the fans are going to take to him.” he told Football Insider.
“You’ll get the ‘oohs and ahs’ whenever he makes a tackle. It’s just about self-control for him. It’s probably more physical in England than it is in Italy, which isn’t underscoring the technical ability of their players.
“It’s a great signing for Leeds, so just behave yourself. What has he picked up the yellow cards for? If it’s dissent, that can be managed. If it’s for the way he challenges, that’s up to the referee.
“What can help is having a quiet word with that player, even while on the run with the referee. Don’t threaten initially, and sometimes use the captain to share understanding about the new player.”
Premier League officiating has been heavily criticized
This past season has been heavily criticized by players and managers alike. Mikel Arteta has been very vocal about the officiating at the Premier League level.
VAR has also made some obvious errors, with clubs like Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest openly complaining about decisions.
Will Jaka Bijol have trouble with refereeing in the Premier League?
The Slovenian might suffer for his aggressive front foot style in England. But it has worked in Italy for the past few years. When you look at his card numbers, there is reason for concern.
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He has had 26 yellow cards in three seasons. Which is an average of over eight yellow cards every year. Just last season, he got cautioned 12 times. Bijol also loses a lot of duels despite being a great defender, which could be a problem in the Premier League.
Hopefully Daniel Farke and the technical team address this before the season begins.
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