“To the Premier League and Back?” — Hull City have completed a dramatic return to the top flight after a last-gasp Championship play-off final win over Middlesbrough at Wembley 1:0. Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time goal sealed promotion and ended the club’s nine-year absence from the Premier League.
But despite the fairytale, many fans and analysts already fear the Tigers could face an immediate relegation battle next season. Concerns over squad depth and financial limitations are taken care of because of this, and overall Premier League quality has dominated reactions online.
When we compare the last two seasons and the relegations of Southampton FC, Ipswich Town FC and Leicester City FC, and then take into account clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Burnley FC and probably West Ham United FC, we conclude that Hull City AFC are in the toughest possible position in the relegation battle.
“Southampton’s last season’s brutal relegation from the Premier League is an iconic example in Premier League modern history.”
The absolute favourites for 20th place enter the season from a very difficult position, which perfectly shows how enormous the financial reward of winning the Championship play-offs really is — the winning club practically secures around €230 million in revenue and broadcasting income.
Hull City can now strengthen the squad through new signings and try to build a real survival fight, but the Premier League over 38 games brutally exposes every weakness in quality, squad depth, and consistency. The best example of that is West Ham United FC, a club that struggled throughout the season despite having a strong squad on paper.
Coventry City FC and Ipswich Town FC, who are also coming into the Premier League from the Championship, appear to have a much easier task on paper than Hull City. Their squads look stronger, more organised, and tactically more stable than the team managed by Sergej Jakirović.
The worst signing that destroyed Leicester City’s central defender, Wout Faes. He was the worst possible transfer that helped Leicester be relegated to the lower divisions.
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