A significant discussion point in English football is the widening gap in quality between the Premier League and the Championship, which has become increasingly apparent in recent seasons.
In both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, all three newly promoted teams were relegated back to the second tier immediately.
All three clubs are forecasted to face a similar destiny this time—can they do enough to defy this concerning trend?
Is substantial expenditure essential?
At the moment, collectively, Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland have reportedly spent £194 million, with more than six weeks remaining in the transfer window.
This already highlights the clear necessity to enhance their squads, especially considering that they have all lost—or are rumored to lose—key players.
Burnley's CJ Egan-Riley has already left, while James Trafford and Maxime Esteve are frequently linked with transfers away.
For Leeds, Junior Firpo has departed, along with loan players Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell.
Sunderland has also suffered significant losses with Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson making permanent moves elsewhere.
While this does create more room for spending, it also places them at a further disadvantage before the season begins.
Newly promoted clubs must catch up more than ever in the current landscape of English football, and this season will be no exception.
Who has already been acquired?
The transfer activity thus far has been largely commendable, featuring some astute signings from each club.
Leeds have strengthened their defense with the acquisitions of Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson alongside a low-risk free transfer for forward Lukas Nmecha.
Regis Le Bris' Sunderland have invested significantly in midfield players like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, as well as promising wingers Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, plus seasoned left-back Reinildo Mandava.
Burnley has brought in the experienced Kyle Walker and Axel Tuanzebe, along with highly regarded young talent Quilindschy Hartmanto their roster.
Deals for goalkeeper Max Weiss and wingers Jacob Bruun Larsen and Loum Tchaouna have also been finalized.
Where the Clarets have allocated the majority of their funds, however, is in converting last season's loan players into permanent transfers after promotion—an action that may prove to be a wise decision.
Bashir Humphreys, Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony all had their temporary contracts made permanent at the season's conclusion.
This helps them retain a larger segment of the squad that earned them promotion, meaning fewer players need time to adapt to new teammates and environments.
Sunderland has similarly made a permanent signing of Enzo Le Fee - take a closer look at their activities here.
What lies ahead?
The expenditure is expected to persist in the upcoming weeks, and examining the squads suggests this is a necessity.
Burnley is rumored to be pursuing Championship strikers Josh Sargent and Mamadou Doumiba, a position on the field they have identified as requiring significant reinforcements.
Both Leeds and Sunderland appear eager to bolster their midfield, with Daniel Farke's team reportedly nearing a deal for Sean Longstaff while the Black Cats are said to be planning an ambitious move for Granit Xhaka.
Such midfield acquisitions seem crucial for both clubs to finalize, as the players bring a wealth of Premier League experience along with them.
Is there an alternative to survival?
It's a pleasant thought, but sadly, newly promoted teams must go all in.
Clubs can be strategic with their acquisitions and expenditures, but ultimately, they need to invest significantly for a shot at Premier League survival.
And while this increases the chances of a team remaining in the league, it certainly does not guarantee it.
In the last two seasons, newly promoted clubs have invested heavily and still faced relegation.
This reflects the challenging state of football in England today, particularly the expanding divide between the Premier League and the Championship.
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