Leeds United have been joined by Burnley and Sunderland in the Premier League next season after the Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the play-off final.
A Sheffield United win could have benefitted Leeds financially but it was Sunderland who won it late in dramatic fashion through Tommy Watson’s 95th minute winner at Wembley instead, which is where Leeds United failed last season.
Chris Wilder’s side finished just eight points behind Leeds but will have to contend with a rebuild in the Championship in 2025/26, with Sunderland 24 points worse off than Burnley and Leeds but, crucially, in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side securing promotion from the Championship is the big financial win for all investors and shareholders concerned given the jaw-dropping windfall Leeds have received, but the Blades have missed out on that reward.
EFL experts explain Sheffield United may not bounce back as easily as Leeds United from play-off final
Just one year ago, Leeds were in the same position as Sheffield United. Defeat at Wembley to Southampton cast uncertainty over numerous players, which is exactly what Wilder and co. will have to contend with this summer.
Leeds’ attentions can turn to the Premier League and recruiting for safety, while the Blades rebuild in the Championship. However, not all hope is lost for Sheffield United given the example Leeds set just one year on in winning the title.
George Elek and Ali Maxwell are EFL experts for NTT20 and they have had their say on what next, including why they do not think it will be as easy for them as it was for Leeds.
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Maxwell said: “Sheffield United, the third best team in the league — absolutely no doubt. Coasted through the play-off semi-finals, went 1-0 up here, comfortably the better side.
“They’ve been winning games all season by managing them well when they need to. Winning tight games by being smart about it.
“What do we think big picture for Sheffield United? Obviously, they do not join Leeds and Burnley in the Premier League. It mean only one of the teams that came down last season goes back up in the form of Burnley.
“From a sort of Championship balance point of view, we lose Sunderland who didn’t have any parachute payments and Sheffield United stay down. It automatically puts them in a strong position.
“They already have a good squad. Where do you think this leaves them for next season?”
Elek said: “It’s going to be interesting to see how they approach the summer. I’d say some uncertainty, but I think they’re in a great position.
“We stood here last year — they’re not Leeds. They aren’t as good as Leeds were this time last year.
“But we saw Leeds be defeated in the play-off final and we knew that they were going to be strong the season afterwards.
“There seems to be no reason to me why Sheffield United won’t be at least as good this time next year.”
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Sheffield United won’t be as good as Leeds in their second Championship season
Despite Sheffield United finishing on the same points total as Leeds’ 2023/24 season, there is a fair argument that they won’t be as good as Leeds next season.
They have fewer assets than Leeds, who sold Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville and reinvested that into a more balanced Championship side.
Key stats Leeds United Sheffield United Burnley
Goals 95 (1st) 63 (6th) 69 (3rd)
Goals against 30 (2nd) 36 (3rd) 16 (1st)
xG for 91.6 (1st) 62.4 (6th) 58.4 (10th)
xG against 30.7 (1st) 46.4 (4th) 38.4 (2nd)
Clean sheets 25 (2nd) 22 (3rd) 30 (1st)
Possession average 61.6% (1st) 51.5 (9th) 56.9% (4th)
Leeds, Sheffield United, and Burnley comparison Stats per FotMob
However, perhaps the biggest red flag comes down to the statistics and data, with Leeds’ underlying metrics last term far more impressive than the Blades’ this year.
Leeds then fine-tuned and made those figures even more impressive this season. But Sheffield United’s performance data is far worse than Leeds’ and somewhat worse than Burnley’s.
Farke may impart some wisdom to Wilder, with the pair having spoken before. However, it’s fair to think that the Blades will at least be competitive at the right end of the table next season.