Over the last two years every team promoted to the Premier League has gone straight back down.
You can make many arguments for why this happened, but ultimately they simply weren’t good enough. Possibly having made the wrong decisions in the transfer window.
This season, Leeds United have once again returned to the top flight and there appears to be a growing consensus they could survive out of the two other clubs who have joined them.
There are also plenty of online betting markets where supporters can follow the predicted finishing positions for Leeds. These odds change throughout the season and offer a good indication of how the wider football community rates their chances of staying up.
How Could Leeds Stay Up?
There are a number of reasons for Leeds staying in the Premier League and it starts with their summer recruitment campaign.
Compared to last time around, the club has brought in the type of players that they didn’t have last time.
It seems that they have learned their lesson. Every player that they have brought in is over 6 foot tall (apart from left-back Gabriel Gudmondsson, who is just a shade under) and will add a major difference from both defensive and offensive set-pieces.
Physically strong, but also good players with the ball at their feet, each one of these is capable of making a key difference. In goal, Lucas Perri is a fine upgrade on Illan Meslier and came in for a bargain from French side Lyon who were in financial difficulty. The Brazilian has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in France over the last couple of years and will give his team more confidence.
Jaka Bijol looks to be a revelation. Standing at 6’3” he is a quality centre-back – indeed one of the best in Serie A last season and is another bargain. Leeds have been very strategic in this transfer window. Not only have they forensically analysed the market, they have also squeezed out every penny of each deal.
Anton Stach – at 6’4” will provide considerable steel in the centre of midfield and already, has made a major impact on fans in pre-season. Sebastiaan Bornauw (6’3”) – another German adds even more height and muscle at centre-back and could be a definite starter.
Premier League Experience Also In The Ranks
As well as identifying physicality, Leeds chiefs and manager Daniel Farke wanted Premier League experience.
Bringing in Sean Longstaff in midfield (and for just £12.5 million), is a superb decision. He is very accustomed to the top flight and his work rate in midfield will be invaluable.
Signing striker Dominic Calver-Lewin on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke, if the England capped former Everton man can get back to full fitness, rediscover his form and fullfill his potential.
The club want more in their ranks before the window closes, but Leeds should have more than enough to survive in the top flight this season and then push on.