Leeds United have clinched promotion back to the Premier League after Sheffield United suffered defeat to Burnley on Easter Monday, following Leeds’ 6-0 win over Stoke City.
The Whites have finally done it, with fans forced to wait two years to return to England’s top tier after losing in the play-off final last season to Southampton. The pressure was on going into Monday.
Daniel Farke’s men were tasked with beating an in-form Stoke City side managed by Mark Robins at Elland Road, in order to put the pressure on Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United later on in the day.
They did just that, with surprise aplomb. Leeds had won their previous three games by a goal but on Monday, they smashed Stoke with a 6-0 win. Then, they had to hope Sheffield United would fail to win.
Pablo Hernandez and Kalvin Phillips react as Leeds promoted
Burnley secured a win and Scott Parker’s side were themselves, promoted. A 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor thanks to a brace from midfielder Josh Brownhill, a player linked with Leeds in recent years.
The party is expected to on late into the night as Leeds find themselves back in the Premier League with boss Farke making good on his “100% convinced” claim. Leeds are still on course to secure 100 points.
Kalvin Phillips was among those to comment on Leeds’ Instagram post, commenting a number of emojis. England star Phillips has been linked with a return to Elland Road in the summer with Leeds now up.
Two more games to play and the chance to win a third title for Farke, with Bristol City and Plymouth still to come. Pablo Hernandez posted a message to fans on Instagram, saying: “Yes, we come back. MOT.”
How many signings The 49ers are planning on making at Leeds
Instantly, focus will switch to whether Leeds can survive in the Premier League. On Monday morning, Gabby Agbonlahor predicted Leeds would go straight back down due to the quality of England’s top tier.
However, The 49ers are well aware they will need to splash the cash. Indeed, the Leeds owners are intent on making six big signings to give Leeds and Farke the best chance of survival in the Premier League.
Adam Pope expects Leeds will need to spend far more than £100m to stand a chance and he’s right, given Southampton and Ipswich did just that – but have failed to survive relegation to the Championship.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
