Leeds United’s aim next season is simple. Avoid relegation and give Daniel Farke and The 49ers the chance to consolidate and become an established Premier League club.
A 17th-placed finish would be good enough for Leeds fans, avoiding the drop and breaking a trend that has seen the last six promoted sides suffer relegation. Last season, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton.
Leeds have brought in seven new signings, spending just over £80m this summer. But that is nothing when compared to Sunderland’s 10 signings, soon to be 11, and Burnley’s 13 incomings this summer.
With the new Premier League season back underway this season, predictions are coming in thick and fast. There is doubt in the footballing world that the three promoted sides can put up a fight and stay up.
Gary Lineker at the Premier League Hall of Fame 2024 Inductions
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Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree in Leeds United verdict
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have been discussing the new Premier League season and predicted where each side would finish. It comes after Ally McCoist predicted Leeds would be relegated.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, both Lineker and Shearer agree that Leeds will be relegated. Lineker believes Burnley have a better chance of survival, while Shearer thinks Leeds do have a chance.
Alan Shearer on punditry duty as Newcastle take on Man United.
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Shearer said: “Out of the promoted clubs, Leeds have the best chance of staying up. The Elland Road factor, which will be bouncing. I’ve got them relegated just, but if one can stay up, it will be them.”
Lineker added: “I’ve got Leeds as going back down. Micah will lose his lease [Farke rents Richards’ flat]. They [Burnley] are in my relegated bunch, but they are of the three that might not go back down.”
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What do Leeds need to fight against relegation this season?
Sunderland and Burnley have been incredibly pro-active, even if their summer business does include signing players permanently that were on loan last season. Leeds have not signed their two loanees.
Indeed, Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell have returned to their parent clubs, while Rothwell has moved on to Rangers. Leeds still need four new signings though, including a starting striker ahead of Everton.
Just a week separates now and Leeds’ first game and without a starting striker, Leeds are not going to be at full strength. To give themselves a chance, Leeds need a striker in the door, and they need it now.