Alan Shearer says if he thinks newly-promoted teams Leeds United and Burnley will go straight back down

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The fear now for Leeds United is that they mirror what Leicester, Southampton and Ipswich have done this season, and go straight back into the Championship after winning promotion.

There has been plenty of chat regarding the gap between the Premier League and the Championship and how the difference in quality is growing. Leeds one of three sides attempting to prove the theory wrong.

Daniel Farke’s side confirmed promotion to the Premier League on Monday but already, perhaps because of the pressure to get everything spot on, The 49ers are said to be considering Farke’s future at Leeds.

Southampton and Leicester have already been confirmed as relegated while Ipswich are close, despite the trio of clubs spending a combined £300m during the 2024-25 season. Alan Shearer has given his verdict.

• READ MORE: Werder Bremen sporting director says Leeds owe £1m for Ilia Gruev after going up

Alan Shearer says if Leeds and Burnley will go straight back down

Adam Pope thinks Leeds need six new signings and will have to spend over £100m, while Tony Mowbray claimed Leeds would need to spend £200m to survive – following the 1-1 draw with West Brom at Leeds.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Shearer was asked if there should be a relegation play-off to give teams promoted from the Championship a better chance of survival. He said no, predicting the trend to change.

“I’m quite happy with the way it is. I know it is difficult for the three teams coming up to stay up, but that’ll change. I’m happy with three up, three down,” Shearer summarised, predicting some “change”.

Why Leeds have a better chance than the three promoted teams

There is also a case to say that the three promoted sides made some poor decisions this season, or were not ready. Ipswich had only just come up from League One, and had to make signings to really catch up.

Kieran McKenna is a good manager but back-to-back promotions meant an overhaul was needed, no time to gel. That has seen Ipswich relegated, while Leicester had financial issues as soon as they went up.

The Foxes also lost Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall last summer, before sacking Steve Cooper far too early. Russell Martin was desperate to make his style of football work, but Saints were too open.

Leeds have a better base than Ipswich with plenty of Premier League experience. They have no financial issues – or issues on a par with Leicester. Will Farke be more pragmatic unlike Saints? Time will tell.