Struggling Promoted Clubs Face Harsh Reality in Premier League
Southampton’s dismal return to the Premier League has put them on the brink of making history for all the wrong reasons. With just nine points from 27 games, the Saints are in serious danger of surpassing the record-low points tally of 11 set by Derby County in the 2007-08 season. Their plight underscores a troubling trend for promoted clubs, as they struggle to compete at the highest level.
While Leicester City and Ipswich Town have fared slightly better, both sit at 17 points, five behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. The fate of these three promoted teams seems dire, raising the possibility that, like Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton Town last season, they too could face immediate relegation. Historically, from the 1997-98 season until last year, at least one promoted club managed to survive, but the current gap between the Championship and Premier League is proving increasingly difficult to bridge.
The statistics tell a grim story. The combined points per game (PPG) average for the bottom three is on track to set a new record low. Southampton failed to win any of their first nine matches, while Ipswich couldn’t secure a victory in their first ten. Leicester, once holding their own, has lost 10 of their last 11 matches. Adding to their woes, these clubs also rank at the bottom in terms of squad value, with Ipswich’s wage bill for the 2023-24 season being a mere £11 million—less than what Manchester City’s star player Erling Haaland earns in a year.
Despite the financial challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for the future. Sheffield United and Burnley are both well-positioned to return to the Premier League, and Leeds United, relegated in 2023, currently leads the Championship. If they succeed in their quest for promotion, they will aim to establish themselves in the top tier, following the examples set by clubs like Brentford and Brighton, who have thrived rather than become yo-yo teams.
