Leeds United will be hoping to avoid the fate that has befallen many newly-promoted clubs when they return to the Premier League next season.
The Whites are currently preparing for their return to the top flight after their Championship title success. Part of those preparations will be in the transfer market, where Daniel Farke and Co. will look to build a squad capable of maintaining their Premier League status.
It's not just the 17 Premier League clubs from last season that Leeds will have to compete against, but also the remaining two that were promoted alongside them from the Championship. United will be joined by Burnley and Sunderland in the top flight next season, with one of their rivals having a potential advantage.
Reports have emerged over the last few days that Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham is closing in on a move to Borussia Dortmund. It has been reported that a deal worth £27.8million has been agreed for Bellingham to complete the switch to the Bundesliga outfit ahead of next season.
Bellingham played a key role in helping Sunderland earn promotion to the Premier League via their play-offs. With the 19-year-old set for a move to Germany, it will also see the Wearside outfit be handed a financial boost ahead of their return to the top flight.
Sunderland will also be looking to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation next season, but there may not be as much pressure on their shoulders as Leeds. The Whites have been battling to get back to the top flight for the last two years and achieved their goal at the second attempt after their defeat in the 2024 Championship play-off final.
While Sunderland currently have an asset in Bellingham who can generate tens of millions of pounds this summer, Leeds may have to do the same thing. It remains to be seen, though, where United will get the extra cash whilst also bringing new signings to Elland Road.
Financially, Leeds will also have to be mindful of complying with the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) ahead of their return to the top flight. It was recently reported by The Athletic that Leeds are predicted to suffer a pre-tax loss of around £42million for the 2024/25 season, despite winning the Championship title.
PSR rules state that Leeds can only lose up to £61million over a three-year period, meaning they will have to be more creative in the transfer market. For Sunderland, though, the money they receive from the Bellingham deal will go a long way to helping avoid being in danger of a PSR breach.
Each of the last two seasons has seen all three newly-promoted clubs in the Premier League then go on to suffer relegation back to the Championship. For Sunderland, who were far from favourites to be promoted to the top flight last term, it would be a major boost if they were able to maintain their top-flight status.
For Leeds, though, there is the added pressure of looking to become Premier League regulars again and avoid the drop next term. The transfer of Bellingham to Dortmund will allow Sunderland to be able to reinvest in the squad, while Leeds may have to get creative with the funds they have at their disposal.