Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland earned their spots in the Premier League after finishing the previous season strongly and will be part of England’s elite competition for the 2025/26 season.
In recent years, a significant topic of discussion has been the widening gap in quality between the Premier League and the Championship, raising concerns about whether these newly promoted clubs can avoid relegation.
Both last season and the one before it saw all three of the newcomers relegated immediately back to the second tier.
To remain competitive in the top flight, clubs now face the necessity of significant investment, making the upcoming transfer window crucial for their prospects among England’s best.
There’s a prevailing sentiment that these three clubs may face hardships in the new season—but do Leeds, Burnley, or Sunderland have players already in their ranks who could become game-changers in the Premier League?
Leeds’ squad demonstrated excellence in the Championship, easily outperforming competitors, much like Burnley.
A challenge for them this summer is that several players are classified as ‘too good for the Championship but potentially not quite enough for the Premier League’.
Midfielder Ao Tanaka, however, appears set to thrive in the Premier League.
The Japanese international was a relatively unknown figure when he arrived at the start of last season, but he rapidly became a crucial part of Leeds’ 100-point-winning squad.
Tanaka played in every match since joining at the end of August 2024 and earned a place in the Championship Team of the Season, as well as a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.
His impressive ability to link defence and attack stands out; Tanaka executed 533 attacking carries last season, significantly contributing to Leeds’ dominance in many games.
Defensively, he was equally formidable, winning 194 duels and making 217 recoveries throughout the campaign.
His performances were vital to Leeds’ triumphs and will be essential for their survival chances in the Premier League next season.
Burnley matched the record for the most clean sheets in a single EFL season last year, shutting out their opponents a remarkable 30 times—tying with Port Vale’s record from over 70 years ago in the 1953/54 campaign.
Maxime Esteve was integral to this near-impenetrable defence, participating in all 46 matches as Burnley accumulated 100 points, narrowly missing out on the title due to goal difference.
Under Scott Parker, the team conceded only 16 goals all season, which translates to an English record of just 0.35 goals per game, with Esteve playing a pivotal role.
The French defender was a reliable presence throughout Burnley’s record-breaking run, receiving just three yellow cards and conceding no penalties—crucial as Burnley will need to maintain a strong defensive unit to survive in the Premier League.
Like Tanaka, Esteve was named in the Championship Team of the Season, alongside his defensive partner CJ Egan-Riley and goalkeeper James Trafford.
However, Burnley faces a challenge with replacing Egan-Riley who has left on a free transfer to Marseille, and the speculation surrounding Trafford’s future is growing.
Esteve himself has garnered interest from other clubs, but Burnley will be eager to retain him for what promises to be a demanding season ahead.
Sunderland may not have reached the same heights as Leeds and Burnley during the regular season, but they secured promotion through the play-offs, with Eliezer Mayenda shining throughout those critical matches.
The Spaniard was pivotal upfront during both semi-final clashes and in the final, scoring twice, including the crucial equaliser at Wembley against Sheffield United.
Mayenda’s talent extended beyond the play-offs; the 20-year-old made significant strides over the course of the season, finishing with 10 goals and five assists from 25 starts.
Before last season, the forward had limited opportunities and returned to the club following an unsuccessful loan spell at Hibernian in Scotland.
However, since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, he has transformed into a formidable forward and even earned a call-up to Spain’s under-21 squad.
Capable of leading the attack as well as playing on either wing, Mayenda has quickly become one of Sunderland’s primary offensive threats.
Being a young team, neutrals might understandably predict Sunderland’s quick return to the Championship next season.
Serious reinforcements are needed, and Regis Le Bris’ squad requires added firepower in attack—but Mayenda appears to have the makings of an impressive Premier League striker.
He is perhaps one of the few players possessing the pace to trouble any defence, and while his finishing may be inconsistent, the rapid improvements he has shown suggest there is much more to come from this talented youngster.
Mayenda also demonstrates a level of fearlessness often seen in young, hungry players, making him a player to watch as the new season approaches.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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