Merson makes Leeds United point as major West Ham concern raised on Sky Sports
Paul Merson highlighted West Ham as one of the reasons Leeds United will be optimistic about life back in the Premier League.
Leeds have been in holiday mode for some time now at Elland Road, though plenty of work will be underway behind the scenes to get them prepared for a season back in the Premier League.
Recruitment is going to be crucial for Leeds, and if they are to have any chance of avoiding an immediate drop back into the Championship, they need to get that aspect right.
All three of last season’s promoted teams will be back in the Championship next season, but Merson thinks that Leeds will have hope after what he has seen in the Premier League.
West Ham have struggled under Graham Potter
Leeds will already be aware of how difficult it usually is to bridge the gap between the Championship and the Premier League, though they will need to find a way to do that if they are to avoid a drop.
Taking the relegated three out of the equation, you then have Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham in the bottom six, meaning that is the level of opposition that the Whites need to compete with to stay in the top flight.
| Premier League 15th-20th | Points |
| West Ham | 40 |
| Man United | 39 |
| Tottenham | 38 |
| Leicester | 25 |
| Ipswich | 22 |
| Southampton | 12 |
However, Merson thinks that Leeds will look at West Ham’s campaign to use as motivation when speaking on Sky Sports.
He said: “If you are Leeds United, or Burnley or whoever comes up via the play-offs, I’m afraid to say, they will be highlighting West Ham.
“They will be looking at West Ham and going, they are one of the teams we could try and finish in front of.”
“I think he should get a four or five-year contract” 📝
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2025
Paul Merson believes Graham Potter needs a lot of time at West Ham to get it right ⏳ pic.twitter.com/f1lmotVSNj
Leeds United can avoid relegation next season
Leeds are a massive club, and that can serve as a benefit when it comes to recruiting talent in the summer transfer window.
Several players have already been linked with a move to Elland Road, and if they can recruit well, they have every chance of staying up.
Daniel Farke may have a poor record in the top flight, but he knows what is needed to survive, and if backed, he may be able to deliver it for the Whites.