Phil Hay shares why Leeds United have a better chance of survival under 49ers compared to Andrea Radrizzani

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Leeds United are on the verge of securing promotion to the Premier League after crucial wins against Sheffield United and Sunderland – but there is concern over whether they would be able to stay there.

Coming from behind to beat both Sunderland and Sheffield United over the last fortnight has propelled Leeds into an incredibly strong position, sitting five points ahead of Chris Wilder’s second-placed Blades.

Perhaps more importantly, Leeds are seven points ahead of the play-offs and third-placed Burnley. The Whites boast a 50+ goal difference, a whole 16 goals better off than Scott Parker’s Burnley currently.

Ally McCoist thinks Leeds are up, and Darren Bent says Leeds would have to “fall off a cliff” not to go up. But, do they have any chance of staying in the Premier League once promoted, given the growing gap?

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Leeds have a better chance of survival now, than under Radrizzani

Leeds were promoted under Andrea Radrizzani’s ownership in 2020, largely due to the management of legend Marcelo Bielsa. The Whites finished ninth, but dropped off afterwards and were relegated in 2023.

Radrizzani spent money but Leeds were limited in what they could bring in. Now, Daniel Farke’s Leeds have the benefit of The 49ers and the cash injection of RedBull, going into a possible top-tier campaign.

Speaking to The Athletic’s podcast, Phil Hay explained why Leeds have a better chance of survival this time around than Leeds did back in 2020 – with the three promoted sides currently in the bottom three.

“The other thing that Leeds have is they are backed now by The 49ers, instead of Andrea Radrizzani as it was in 2020. In theory anyway, there should be a bit more financial clout behind them,” Hay explained.

Promoted teams to go straight back down since 2020

There is a growing and rather worrying trend that the gap between the Championship and the Premier League means those that get promoted cannot cope and get instantly relegated back to the second tier.

The promoted teams to go straight back down in last five seasons

Similarly, those that get relegated go straight back up due to parachute payments. Leeds are in their second year since relegation but the point stands, given they received 45% Premier League TV money.

Currently, the Premier League’s bottom three are the three sides that beat Leeds to promotion last term. Two of the top four are of the three that got relegated. It is a concern for Leeds, if they do get promoted.