Leeds United are looking to come out on top out of the newly-promoted sides next season, but only Sunderland look to be showing their ambition to stay in the Premier League, while Burnley struggle along before the start of the season.

Heading into the new Premier League campaign, Leeds and Sunderland look the two sides that have the best chance of staying in the division with the business they have done and are planning to continue with.

After Burnley’s 100-point season and record-breaking defensive numbers, they could have been set up well for their top flight return, but the core of their promotion winning side has been stripped away.

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CJ Egan Riley out at Burnley, Josh Brownhill and James Trafford to follow as Leeds United watch on

For Leeds to stay in the Premier League next term, it would be beneficial to see others around them struggle in this summer window, and that certainly has been the case for a few.

Scott Parker’s Clarets have already lost one of their star centre-backs, CJ Egan-Riley, for free as he departed to Marseille.

(Action Images/John Clifton)

Now, captain and top scorer from their 24/25 campaign, Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from the club on a free exit too, after his contract expired and the two parties couldn’t reach an agreement.

Not only that, but goalkeeper James Trafford is finally set for his exit as he finalises a move back to Manchester City for £27million, completing a medical yesterday:

In the 24/25 campaign, Brownhill’s 18 goals and six assists accounted for around 35% of the Clarets’ goals, while Trafford was massively integral to Burnley’s 23.1xG overperformance, having faced a higher total than Leeds by 9.5.

Burnley’s survival task alongside Leeds United looking bleaker by the day

Having spent a big chunk of money on making loan deals permanent at the start of the summer, Burnley have lost the core of what made them a promotion-winning side last season.

Their goalkeeper was the best the EFL has ever seen, their captain nearly matched Joel Piroe for the golden boot, and Egan-Riley was another crucial part of the system, which is all ripped up now for next term.

Having to reset after promotion, when relying so heavily on one core concept of your performance, is such a blow for Parker to have to deal with.

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