The gap between the Championship and the Premier League is widening with Leeds United set to find out just how big the difference is come the middle of August.
Daniel Farke has secured promotion with 100 points and the Championship title, while Burnley have joined Leeds in winning automatic promotion. Either Sheffield United or Sunderland will come up, too.
But those making the jump to England’s top tier will be fully aware that over the course of the last two seasons, the six teams that have gone up have come straight back down. Luton are now in League One.
Leeds will need to spend big and get recruitment absolutely spot on, with The 49ers aware that they need to simply consolidate and just survive in the Premier League for the first two or three seasons.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Paul Merson says if Leeds can finish above West Ham next season
To put it simply, Leeds just need to be better than three other teams. Make sure they are the best of the three promoted sides and then look to go beyond a current Premier League team, to obtain survival.
The Premier League table sees Tottenham sit in 17th place, Man United in 16th and West Ham in 15th. Paul Merson thinks Leeds can finish above West Ham, when discussing next season on Sky Sports.
“If you’re a Leeds or a Burnley, I’m afraid to say they’ll be highlighting West Ham. They’ll be looking at West Ham and going ‘They’re one of the teams I think we could try and finish in front of’,” Merson said.
"I think he should get a four or five-year contract" 📝
Paul Merson believes Graham Potter needs a lot of time at West Ham to get it right ⏳ pic.twitter.com/f1lmotVSNj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2025
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What do Leeds need to do this summer to compete next term?
Plenty, is the obvious answer. But with the Premier League now drawing to a close, the transfer team can start to make some moves. It is clear Leeds want players with Premier League know-how this summer.
The likes of Vladimir Coufal, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Sean Longstaff, Beto, Caoimhin Kelleher and plenty more have been linked with The Whites. With the Premier League almost done, Leeds can get to work.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Leeds need a goalkeeper, cover at full-back, a replacement for Junior Firpo, a centre-back, a midfielder, Manor Solomon permanently or a winger, a better Brenden Aaronson and a proven top-tier number nine.
Plenty to do then in what is sporting director Adam Underwood’s first summer in his position, and head of recruitment Alex Davies. They have to get this right or Leeds are back in the Championship next term.