The short-term issue for Leeds United is getting back into the Premier League and handing Daniel Farke another crack at England’s top flight – but the long-term issue, is staying there.
One win in five has allowed Sheffield United and Burnley to catch Leeds up and overtake Farke’s men. Sheffield United are now two clear while Burnley are level on points, unbeaten since early November.
Seven games to go for Leeds, who realistically need to win at least four to stand any chance of securing automatic promotion to the Premier League. They might need even more than that if Burnley continue.
In the long-term, keeping Leeds in the Premier League will be even tougher than trying to get The Whites promoted. Leeds survived three seasons last time, and now Farke has been speaking to German media.
Daniel Farke on difficulty of keeping Leeds in Premier League
Following the 1-1 draw between Leeds and West Brom last month, Baggies manager Tony Mowbray made it clear in his post-match press conference that Leeds would need to spend £200m to survive at the top.
His claims are strengthened by the fact that all three promoted teams currently sit in the bottom three of the Premier League – Ipswich, Leicester, Southampton. Farke told TransferMarkt that the gap is widening.
“The gap is getting wider and wider. The Premier League has financial clout, generating enormous TV money and sponsorship. In the Championship, on the other hand, many struggle with limited resources.
“It’s difficult to bridge this gap, especially when a newly-promoted team can’t make the right investments right away. It’s primarily about quality and depth, but also about infrastructure and long-term planning.
“A club must be willing to invest in players, training facilities, and scouting. Without these fundamentals, it’s almost impossible to compete in the Premier League,” Farke said, when asked about the gap.
Where Leeds United will need to invest come the summer…
If promoted, Adam Pope says Leeds need at least six major signings to stand a chance of competing. That will see Leeds spend well over £100m, though Phil Hay say The 49ers and RedBull give Leeds a chance.
Farke’s record in the top tier is concerning, but he will argue he was never given the money required to stand a chance of survival. Leeds definitely need a goalkeeper, with Aaron Ramsdale set to cost £25m.
A centre-back, a replacement for Junior Firpo, another midfielder, a better version of Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon permanently or another winger and then a proven Premier League goalscorer, too.
That will see spending far eclipse £100m. Leicester spent around £75m and have failed, Southampton splashed £102m and Ipswich went as far as £127m. All have failed, meaning Leeds need to go further.
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