The Championship is one of the most intriguing football divisions on the planet, with almost every club still playing for something - at both ends of the table. It’s also the division that has helped develop the likes of Premier League stars such as Ivan Toney, James Maddison and Harry Souttar.
But which second tier stars could tempt Premier League clubs to spend this summer? This season more than any other it feels like the division is packed with talent, while contract situations mean that Championship clubs could be forced to sell. Here’s ten picks, outside of the top two of Burnley and Sheffield United.
Chuba Akpom
The Championship’s top scorer is in stunning form so far this season with 23 goals to his name in just 30 matches. His recent goal record has been remarkable and he has taken on the mantle of being the main man under Michael Carrick, as Boro shoot up the league. There’s a chance Boro could nick second spot from the Blades, but with just a year left on his contract, Premier League clubs should be circling.
Alex Scott
At just 19, Scott has caught the eye in Bristol City’s midfield this term. His composure on the ball and passing range is impressive, while he also looked at home when his side took on Man City in the FA Cup. His first goal of the season came last weekend, but with a contract that runs until 2025, boss Nigel Pearson has quoted £25m to get him away from Ashton Gate.
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Viktor Gyokeres
Akpom may have outscored him so far, but Gyokeres is the most well-rounded and threatening striker in the division. With 18 goals and seven assists, he has the most goal contributions in the league and is simply unstoppable when he gets going with the ball at his feet. One year left on his contract, Coventry will surely be forced to sell this summer. £15-20m should be enough to secure his signature.
Joao Pedro
According to WhoScored’s ratings, only Oliver Norwood has outperformed Watford’s Joao Pedro this season. He’s played under three managers and as part of a misfit side, but his individual quality is obvious for all to see and in truth, he shouldn’t be playing at this level. He was tipped to leave the club last summer but instead signed a new contract until 2028. However, another year at this level with Watford could see his promising career stagnate although it would take a massive offer to get the Hornets to sell.
Ryan Manning
Swansea City’s left wing-back has caught the eye this season with a series of impressive performances. Interestingly, manager Russell Martin confirmed he would be leaving this club this summer after refusing to sign a new contract. A player of his quality on a free transfer should be on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Gabriel Sara
Norwich City have a healthy habit of stumbling upon talented attacking midfielders. Gabriel Sara follows Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia and this season, especially in recent months, he has flourished. Still only 23, he has plenty of time to develop into an elite talent but with West Ham and Atalanta reportedly interested, he could move on after just one season at Carrow Road.
Zian Flemming
Millwall have been one of the surprise packages in the league this term and although Tom Bradshaw has stolen the headlines in recent weeks. It is Zian Flemming who has the higher ceiling. The summer arrival has hit 13 goals this term and given he joined for £1.7m and signed a long contract, it is unlikely Millwall will be open to any form of negotiation.
Tom Lockyer
Luton deserve a shout-out for their impressive performances this season and there is a real chance they could get promoted to the Premier League for the first time. Tom Lockyer is having another superb season and has almost been an ever present in the side that should finish in the top six this season. If a lower-end top flight club is after a centre-back ready to make the step up, he’d be a solid option.
Another impressive centre-back option this season has been Dom Hyam at Blackburn Rovers. Since making the move from Coventry in the summer his game has improved massively and now he is one of Blackburn’s major assets. He’d be another solid option at the back for a man who could soon break into the Scotland squad.
Gustavo Hamer
One year left on his contract, one of the finest players in the Championship. Coventry could lose several key players this window but Hamer, now he has cleaned up his disciplinary record, is clearly ready for the Premier League. An average rating of 7.19 puts him even higher than Viktor Gyokeres in the top ten. Some player.
