New Kids on the Block: Who’s Back in the Premier League This Season?

By: Oluwaseun Lawal

Leeds United and Burnley? They’re back. Both stormed through the Championship with 100 points each, grabbing those top two spots and punching their tickets back to the Premier League.

Burnley’s story is a bit of a rollercoaster. They only spent one season out last time, but it’s been a wild ride — relegated in 2021-22, bounced back the next year, then down again in 2023-24, and now back up once more. This time, they’re hoping to stick around longer.

Leeds, on the other hand, took a bit longer. Two seasons in the Championship before finally clinching the title in 2024-25. And then there’s Sunderland — the dramatic third team. They sealed their return with a nail-biting 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Wembley, thanks to Tom Watson’s 95th-minute winner. Big moment. But Watson’s already off to Brighton, and midfielder Jobe Bellingham has moved on to Borussia Dortmund.

All three promoted teams have opened their wallets wide, splashing cash to try and survive the Premier League grind. They’ll need it. Last season’s promoted trio — Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City — all went straight back down. So, fingers crossed for a better run this time around.