Leeds United and Burnley know they will be playing in the Premier League next season, but the Clarets are already losing a key part of their record-breaking defence.
Leeds and Burnley’s remarkable combined 200 points this season suggests they might have more of a chance of sticking the landing in the Premier League that the previous six sides that were promoted before them.
What helps them both in that regard is that they both boast some of the best defensive numbers the Championship has ever seen – Burnley obviously more so with a staggering 16 goals conceded in 46 games.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Burnley hit with major transfer blow – CJ Egan-Riley reportedly leaving for free to Strasbourg
Both Leeds and the Clarets know that this summer will have to go virtually perfect if they wish to stay in the top flight next season.
However, for Burnley and their record-breaking defensive unit, one of them is already on his way out of the club for nothing.
CJ Egan-Riley won’t be playing Premier League football with Burnley, as a Strasbourg free transfer looms. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Centre-back CJ Egan-Riley has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to sign for Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg this summer when his Burnley contract expires, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
It leaves Burnley missing one third of their crucial defensive unit of Egan-Riley, Maxime Esteve, and James Trafford – with centre-back Esteve claimed to be on Tottenham’s radar, while Newcastle interest in Trafford is well documented and long-standing.
Will Leeds United stay up in the Premier League?
Yes
Yes
Vote
No
No
Vote
Leeds United need to be better than three teams next season, including Burnley
If Leeds want to survive from relegation back to the EFL next season, they are going to have to be better than three teams in the division.
Two of those are our fellow promoted sides, one of those being Burnley, and if their superb defence gets dismantled, it leaves them much weaker for a survival bid.
In turn, you’d hope that enhances our chances of being the best side capable of staying up at the first time of asking next season.