Sam Allardyce shares ‘biggest problem’ for Leeds United in new promotion verdict
Leeds United are still pushing for promotion from the Championship and face a crucial few weeks ahead.
Leeds ended their run with a victory away at Middlesbrough, which sent them back to the top of the Championship table, but there are plenty of twists to come.
With five games remaining in the Championship season, Leeds are level on points with Burnley and are two ahead of Sheffield United.
It is far from certain whether Daniel Farke’s side will achieve promotion or not, but if they do, they will face a huge problem in the Premier League.
Allardyce highlights Premier League problem for Leeds
When Leeds were last in the Premier League in 2022-2023, they ended the season with Sam Allardyce in charge as they were relegated.
Now, Allardyce has pointed out that even if Leeds do go up, they will struggle to stay up, as a result of a recent trend when it comes to promoted sides in the top flight.
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Conceded | Points | Position |
| Leeds | 41 | 24 | 13 | 4 | 80 | 28 | 85 | 1st |
“I think, after last year’s disappointment in the play-offs, Leeds have got to try and get the number one or two spot so they don’t have to venture into the play-offs again,” Allardyce told Leeds Live.
“I think that obviously a Leeds United in the Premier League will be great to see, of course. But then, of course, the biggest problem is, can you stay there?
“What we have seen teams face this year and last year is three teams being relegated with the worst points totals ever seen in the Premier League – so that needs to change now.”
Leeds need major reinforcements for Premier League survival
If Leeds do reach the Premier League, the last few weeks have shown that the squad will need major reinforcements to be able to compete at that level.
A goalkeeper is top of the priority list, with Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic among the names linked to replace Illan Meslier.
Leeds do have the best goalscoring record in the Championship, but this is unlikely to translate to the Premier League given how promoted teams have struggled, and a number nine who can score in the top flight would be an ideal addition.
Farke’s side must achieve promotion to strengthen the squad, though, and after two years away, the club’s best players may be at risk of exits if they fall at the final hurdle again.