Leeds United and Burnley have both secured automatic promotion to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, following decisive victories on Monday night. Leeds thrashed Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road, with Dutch striker Joel Piroe netting four goals in a rampant first half, while Burnley edged Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor thanks to a brace from captain Josh Brownhill. These results mean both Leeds and Burnley have reached 94 points, making it mathematically impossible for third-placed Sheffield United (86 points) to catch them with only two games remaining.
Leeds return to the top flight after two seasons in the Championship, bouncing back from last year’s heartbreak in the play-off final. Burnley, under manager Scott Parker, achieve an immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation last season. Sheffield United, meanwhile, will have to settle for a play-off spot after a late-season slump.
The promotion of both clubs is also notable for their American investment: Leeds are owned by 49ers Enterprises, while Burnley’s majority stake is held by ALK Capital, with former NFL star J.J. Watt among its shareholders. The race for the Championship title is set to go down to the wire, with both promoted teams tied on points and two fixtures left to play
