Leeds United won the league, with Daniel Farke’s side joined by Burnley and Sunderland in the Premier League next season.
That’s because Sunderland beat Sheffield United to secure their place, even though the Black Cats finished 24 points behind Leeds United and Burnley in the regular season.
All three teams require plenty of signings to ensure they can retain their top flight status next season, with a busy summer ahead for Daniel Farke and co.
How they evolve tactically, adapt in terms of playing style, and the signings they make will all be crucial factors in terms of surviving dropping straight back down to the Championship.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Troy Deeney reveals what Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland must do to survive relegation
The gap between the Premier League and the Championship appears to be widening by the season, given the fact the promoted clubs have been relegated in each of the last two seasons.
Pundits have been having their say as to why for a while, and how the teams can break this cycle. Speaking via CBS Sports Golazo, Troy Deeney has had his say after Leeds righted the wrongs of last season’s play-off final.
Deeney said: “The one thing I want to see from all the teams that go up, don’t go up and try and out-football all the Premier League teams. You cannot do it.
“Go there, beat them up, be aggressive, be physical, take your chances when you get the opportunity.
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“And — the most important part — enjoy the process.”
@cbssportsgolazo Troy Deeney and Nigel Reo-Coker discuss what Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds need to thrive in the Premier League 💪 #soccer #football #eflchampionship #efl #sunderland #premierleague #leeds #burnley ♬ original sound – CBS Sports Golazo
Deeney believes Burnley have the best foundation to survive and he was joined by former West Ham United and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker to provide his thoughts.
The latter agrees and believes one of the other promoted sides has the best chance of making their Premier League status stick. Reo-Coker added: “Defence wins Championships. Defence keeps you in the Premier League.
“If you can have a solid defence and work off that foundation, and sprinkle that creativity, that freedom, higher up the pitch, and get you someone who you can rely on to get you maybe 10-15 goals a season, then you have half a chance of staying up.
“I would say that Burnley, for me, seem like one of the ones that’s equipped. Scott Parker has an identity there: very tough to beat, grind out results. I think what? 29 clean sheets or something this season.
“That is a great foundation to work for. You’re not going to have to change anything. He’s got a great chance.
“I think, for me, they’re the best equipped from what I’ve seen going up.”
Deeney has criticised Illan Meslier previously, with the goalkeeping position undoubtedly an area they need to upgrade on to improve their defensive foundation further to align with Burnley.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United’s 2020/21 record compared with relegated Premier League trio of 2025
When Leeds were last promoted to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, they finished on 59 points and in ninth in their first season back after 16 years away in 2020/21.
In that time, it’s fair to say that the gap has widened. This season exemplifies that, with the bottom three of Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester getting 59 combined points between them.
The Premier League could be looking like a closed shop without Leeds, Sunderland, or Burnley breaking that cycle this season. Deeney does not believe Farke is the right man for Leeds to do that with.
That said, it’s fair to say that Leeds have the best chance of the trio, having not committed to buying loans on their way up in the way Burnley and Sunderland have via the likes of Enzo Le Fee, Jaidon Anthony, Bashir Humphreys, and more.