As the final whistle blew on the last day of the EFL Championship season, a familiar cycle in English football completed its annual turn. With relegation woes now in the rearview mirror for some and promotion dreams realized for others, the stage is set for a fresh chapter. The 2025/26 Premier League season will welcome three new teams, each with a unique story of triumph and a burning ambition to make their mark on the world's most-watched football league.
This season's newcomers are Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland. While they all arrive with the same goal of survival, their journeys to the top flight couldn't have been more different.
The Resolute Return: Leeds United and Burnley
The fastest way to the Premier League is through the automatic promotion spots, and this year, they were claimed by two clubs who were only recently relegated from the top division. Their immediate return speaks volumes about their resilience and smart management.
Leeds United: Champions' Homecoming
Leeds United's return to the Premier League after a two-year absence was a masterclass in swift rebuilding. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, they didn't just earn promotion; they did it in style, finishing as EFL Championship champions with a massive 100 points. The team's relentless attacking style was its calling card, with key players like striker Joël Piroe and winger Daniel James leading the charge. Piroe, in particular, was a revelation, bagging 19 goals across all competitions.
The challenge for Leeds will be to replicate their high-pressing, high-scoring approach against Premier League defenses. Their experience in the top flight is a huge advantage, and Farke's tactical acumen will be tested to ensure they aren't just a flash in the pan. Fans will be optimistic that this time, their stay will be a long and prosperous one.
Burnley: The Clarets' Immediate Bounce Back
After a difficult season in the Premier League, Burnley have immediately found their way back to the promised land, securing the second automatic promotion spot. Manager Scott Parker's impact has been immediate and profound, instilling a sense of stability and tactical discipline that saw them boast the best defensive record in the Championship. Their solidity at the back, anchored by key players like Josh Brownhill, was the foundation of their success. The permanent signings of Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming also bolstered their attacking options.
Burnley's challenge will be to find the right balance between their defensive organization and an increased need for offensive creativity in the Premier League. While their solid backline will be a great starting point, they will need to create and convert more chances against elite opposition to avoid a similar fate to their last campaign.
The Playoff Drama: Sunderland's Eight-Year Journey
The third and final spot in the Premier League is famously decided in the Championship Play-off Final, often dubbed the "richest game in football." This year, the drama belonged to Sunderland.
The Black Cats' Sensational Comeback
Sunderland's story is one of true redemption. After enduring a period in the third tier and a long eight-year absence from the Premier League, their return is nothing short of sensational. Their playoff journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a tense semi-final victory over Coventry City, they faced Sheffield United in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The final was a nail-biting affair. Falling behind to a first-half goal, Sunderland showed incredible spirit to fight back. Eliezer Mayenda's powerful equalizer in the closing stages sent the game into extra time, but it was a young local lad, Tommy Watson, who wrote his name into club folklore. With just seconds left in stoppage time, Watson delivered a stunning winner that secured a 2-1 victory and promotion for the Black Cats. It was a fairy tale ending for a club and a fanbase that have been through so much.
Now back among England's elite, Sunderland will be hoping to build on this momentum. Their young, talented squad will be tested like never before, and their ability to maintain their playoff spirit over a 38-game season will be the key to their survival.
The Relegated: A Quick Mention
Of course, for every team that rises, there are those that fall. The 2024/25 season saw Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton relegated to the Championship. The three teams will be hungry to follow the examples of Leeds and Burnley in making an immediate return.
Looking Ahead
The promotion of Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland adds new layers of intrigue to the 2025/26 Premier League season. Will Leeds' attacking prowess be too much for mid-table sides? Can Burnley's solid defense grind out enough points? And will Sunderland's fairytale run continue? The new season promises to be a thrilling one, and these three teams will be at the heart of the action.