April 22 – Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League, with the two sides occupying unassailable positions in the automatic spots on 94 points each.
Leeds set the tone on Easter Monday with a dominant 6-0 home win over Stoke City, but had to wait for confirmation of their return to the Premier League until later in the day, when Burnley hosted promotion rivals Sheffield United.
A 2-1 victory at Turf Moor ensured Leeds and Burnley were both mathematically guaranteed a top-two finish, the Prem-bound duo having an eight-point gap over third-place Sheffield United with only two games remaining, leaving the out-of-form Blades facing the lottery of the play-offs.
The result marks a swift return to the top flight for Burnley, who were relegated just last season, while Leeds rejoin the Premier League after a two-year absence, having last competed in the 2022/23 campaign.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking ahead of Burnley’s decisive match, hinted at a rare emotional display if promotion was clinched: “I normally celebrate with cake and coffee on the sofa. If there is something major to celebrate, then believe me, I will be a fire beast. I will be the first on the table for sure.”
That sentiment was mirrored by Burnley manager Scott Parker, who praised the collective focus of his squad: “The ambition and target at the start of the season was to get back to the Premier League. We’ve managed to do that, so I’m hugely proud of the team.”
Promotion to the Premier League brings a seismic financial uplift, and is estimated to be worth over £170 million across three seasons when accounting for increased broadcast revenues and commercial opportunities.
Even clubs relegated after one season benefit from substantial parachute payments, offering a significant buffer to aid long-term planning and stability. For both Leeds and Burnley, the return to the top tier reopens the door to global exposure, sponsorship growth, and renewed investment.
With two rounds remaining, attention turns to the title, with goal difference currently putting the trophy in the hands of Leeds.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pyramid, Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following a loss to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday. The 2016 champions join Southampton in dropping to the second tier, while Ipswich Town are also all-but-down – a dramatic reversal of fortunes for last year’s promoted sides, who will all return to the Championship.
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