Leeds United and Burnley have made a triumphant return to the English Premier League after securing automatic promotion from the EFL Championship on Monday, April 21, 2025. Leeds delivered a stunning performance, thrashing Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the day, while Burnley followed suit with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Turf Moor, confirming both teams’ spots in the top flight for the upcoming season.
Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League in the 2022-23 season, showcased their attacking prowess as Dutch striker Joel Piroe scored an incredible four goals in the first half against Stoke. This emphatic win propelled Leeds to the top of the Championship standings with 94 points, a position they solidified with two matches remaining in the season.
Burnley’s path to promotion was equally impressive. Under the guidance of manager Scott Parker, the Clarets have relied heavily on their defensive strength, conceding just 15 goals throughout the campaign. Captain Josh Brownhill scored both goals in the victory over Sheffield United, ensuring Burnley also reached the 94-point mark, leaving Sheffield United trailing behind with 86 points.
“I’m speechless. All that hard work this season,” Brownhill expressed after the match. “We’ve been written off so many times, people calling us boring. We’ve bored our way to the Premier League. It takes a whole team. It’s not just a back four, a goalkeeper, it takes everybody. I don’t think a lot of the lads will sleep. I’m so buzzing for the lads that haven’t played Premier League football.”
Leeds United’s return to the Premier League marks a significant achievement for the club, who last won the top-flight title in the 1991-92 season. The club’s recent history has been tumultuous, having spent three seasons in the Premier League from 2020 to 2023 before their relegation. The team was promoted back to the Championship under Marcelo Bielsa but faced another relegation after finishing just above the drop zone in their third season.
Head coach Daniel Farke, who previously led Norwich City to promotion, now faces the challenge of bridging the gap between the Premier League and the Championship. Farke has already begun planning for the summer transfer window to ensure Leeds does not follow the trend of recently promoted teams being relegated back to the Championship. The club’s recent signings, including defender Joe Rodon and midfielder Ao Tanaka, have bolstered the squad’s quality.
For Burnley, this marks their immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated last season. Burnley’s defense has been a standout feature this season, as they secured a record 12 successive league clean sheets earlier in the season. The team’s strong defensive record has set them apart in the Championship, allowing them to maintain pressure on their rivals.
As the season winds down, the Championship title will be decided between Leeds and Burnley with both teams locked on points but separated by goal difference. Leeds has a superior goal difference, which means they are in the driving seat to clinch the title. Their remaining fixtures include a home match against Bristol City and an away game against Plymouth Argyle.
Sheffield United, on the other hand, will now have to navigate the playoffs to secure their place in the Premier League for next season. With three consecutive defeats, their chances of automatic promotion have slipped away, leaving them to fight for a playoff spot alongside Sunderland, who are also assured of a place in the top six.
With the Championship season drawing to a close, the excitement surrounding Leeds and Burnley’s promotion has reignited the passion of their respective fanbases. Both clubs have rich histories in English football and are keen to make their mark upon their return to the Premier League.
Leeds fans, in particular, are eager to celebrate this momentous occasion, having been deprived of a proper celebration during their last promotion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The players and staff celebrated together at Elland Road after the match, a moment that signifies the hard work and determination that has brought them back to the top tier.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Premier League. With a competitive landscape and the pressure of performing at the highest level, Leeds and Burnley will be aiming to secure their status in the top flight and avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other recently promoted teams.
As the dust settles on the Championship season, fans of Leeds United and Burnley can revel in the joy of promotion, while the remaining teams in the league will continue to battle for playoff positions and a chance to join them in the Premier League.
