The three newly promoted teams from the Championship will face a challenging task to survive in England’s top division. During the 2016-17 campaign, all three promoted teams secured Premier League survival for the first time since 2011-12. But can the likes of Wolves, Cardiff, and Fulham replicate the success from last season?
Wolverhampton Wanders
Of all the newly promoted teams, Wolves have the best chance of beating relegation after such an impressive campaign. The West Midlands team definitely have the money to spend along with the elite teams in Premier League. Just over the past week, Wolves have been linked with Andre Silva. The 22-year-old signed for AC Milan last summer but is likely to leave Italy and needs £27 million to prise him away. Wolves have the budget to compete with top Premier League sides as they hope to avoid relegation back to the Championship.
Even putting signings aside for a minute, Wolves have a class team already. Ruben Neves was a major player for their success last season and will now have the opportunity to perform at the top level. This to add to their multitude of Portuguese players like Helder Costa, Ivan Caliverio and Diego Jota all ready to take the Premier League by storm. Overall, the Wanderers squad is easily already a Premier LeaguePremier League side, but a few more signings could take Nuno’s team to the next level.
Cardiff City
Neil Warnock did a fantastic job as he led the potential relegation side to automatic promotion in two seasons. Cardiff City beat all the odds but will now face the even greater challenge of surviving in the Premier League. Between all three teams, the Welsh side might have the biggest overhaul in the summer. Neil Warnock knows that his side is nowhere near good enough to compete in the Premier League. A few names already being thrown about is Sunderland’s midfielder Didier N’dong as he hopes to leave the League One club.
Despite having a decent Championship team, there are a few key players that could shine for Cardiff this season. Zohore was subject to interest from a few Premier League sides last season but will now be the Bluebirds main striker. Along with Zohore, Mendez-Laing is set to sign a new contract after an impressive campaign. The 26-year-old scored six goals and six assists in 38 appearances. His power and pace with the ball suits the Premier League perfectly and could become Cardiff’s key player next season.
Fulham
Sahid Khan has been in the press a lot lately after talks of buying Wembley. But it was Ryan Sessegnon who once again stole the headlines after setting up Tom Cairney’s goal. The West London outfit return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2013-14 season. With them winning the play-off final, Khan definitely has a few pounds to spend after pocketing £225m on Saturday. So who would the Whites need to target so they can avoid the drop?
The arrival of Alexander Mitrovic on-loan in January boosted Fulham’s chance of promotion and should surely sign for the Cottagers on a permanent. A striker who has played at the top-level could become the key man at Craven Cottage. Keeping hold of Sessegnon is definitely the main priority. The 18-year-old was subject to interest from PSG, Real Madrid, Spurs and Manchester United. If Fulham can keep hold of Sessegnon it would be a massive plus after scoring 17 goals in the championship last season.
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