There are quality players in the Championship that arguably have the means to make the leap to the Premier League. A number of those plying their trade in England’s second tier have been linked with a top-flight switch this summer and Ben McAleer has outlined those he believes have the ability to play in England’s top tier.
For the purpose of this article, the two promoted teams - Wolves and Cardiff - and the two teams set to face off in the playoff final - Fulham and Aston Villa - haven’t been taken into consideration.
James Maddison - Norwich
Norwich City endured a disappointing season with Daniel Farke’s side finishing the campaign all the way down in 14th. It could have been worse still for the Canaries without the creative brilliance of James Maddison. Norwich netted just 49 league goals this season, with the youngster having a direct hand in 44.9%, scoring 14 and registering eight assists. He was very much the wind beneath the Canaries’ wings.
His fine performances didn’t go unnoticed either. A number of Premier League teams have shown an interest in 21-year-old Maddison, who made more key passes (124) than any other Championship player this season, as per WhoScored.com. He is contracted to Norwich until 2021, and that was extended 12 months ago, so the Canaries are under no pressure to sell.
They’ll be under no illusion that Maddison will be the subject of intense speculation regarding his future in Norfolk, yet they know they can command a top fee for the creative star. Maddison, though, showed he has the means of pulling defences apart this season and he’ll certainly be a handy pickup for any top team this summer.
Adama Traore - Middlesbrough
Adama Traore looked a player reborn in the second half of the season. Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis brought out the best in the Spaniard and it culminated in a top-six finish. While Boro were unable to navigate past Aston Villa and secure a Wembley berth, they can take solace from a strong second half of the campaign, that providing a solid foundation to build upon.
That being said, they may have to improve without Traore. The 22-year-old dribble maestro has been linked with Chelsea in the past, while Tottenham are believed to have shown an interest in the winger, who completed more dribbles (243) than any other player in the regular Championship season, as per WhoScored.com. He’s been criticised for his lack of end product in the past, yet five goals and 10 assists suggests this is an area of his game that is rapidly developing.
Boro would be reluctant to lose one of their prized assets this summer, yet must be aware of Premier League interest in Traore’s signature. His ability to ghost past opponents has never been called into question, but having added goals and assists to his name, the former Barcelona trainee is beginning to live up to his exceptional potential. With such a huge onus on speed and power in the modern game, there’s a reason why Premier League teams have been credited with an interest in Traore and he could well return to England’s top tier this summer.
Pontus Jansson - Leeds
Life under Thomas Christensen started so well for Leeds, yet it quickly turned sour for the Whites. Paul Heckingbottom succeeded the Dane at Elland Road, however he failed to have the desired effect with Leeds ultimately finishing down in 13th. They’ll hope to bounce back from what turned out to be a disappointing season in the coming campaign, yet could find it difficult to do so with centre-back Pontus Jansson.
The defender was called up for Janne Andersson’s Sweden World Cup squad and while he has stiff competition for a starting spot, a strong showing when called upon could see interest in Jansson’s signature quickly rise. He has been linked with a Premier League switch in the past, with Southampton keen admirers of the 27-year-old, and they may fancy their chances at landing Jansson once more having successfully staved off relegation.
Of the 196 players to contest 100 or more aerial duels in the regular Championship season, Jansson won 71.9% of his headed battles, the fourth best return. 9.3 clearances per game was also the joint-best in England’s second tier this term and he could make for a handy acquisition for a Premier League side should they convince Leeds to sell their star defender, a feat that would be easier said than done.
Joe Bryan - Bristol City
Bristol City earned countless admirers this season and after avoiding relegation last term, ended the campaign in 11th after a second-half slump in form. They did, though, ease past Watford, Stoke, Crystal Palace and Manchester United to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup before being knocked out by eventual winners Manchester City.
The downturn in league form shouldn’t detract from another notable season for the Robins and it’s expected that their key performers will attract interest this summer. One of those promises to be full-back Joe Bryan, with the 24-year-old excelling down the Bristol flanks. Comfortable on either the right or the left, though better on the latter, Bryan was a key player for Lee Johnson’s side and his good performances won’t have gone unnoticed.
Indeed, five goals and three assists were commendable returns for the Bristol City defender, while only two players made more tackles than Bryan (126) in the Championship this season. Burnley have been linked with a move for the full-back with Sean Dyche looking to strengthen following the Clarets’ superb season and it may be that Bristol find it impossible to retain the services of the impressive full-back this summer.
Ollie Watkins - Brentford
Following a stuttering start to the season, Brentford finished the campaign just six points outside of the top six. A late collapse saw their playoffs hopes go up in smoke and they were left to wonder what might’ve been had they begun better. Dean Smith will hope to keep the core of his squad together ahead of a playoff assault next term, yet they may struggle to keep Ollie Watkins at Griffin Park.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful breakthrough season with the Bees following his arrival from Exeter City 12 months ago. 10 goals was a commendable return for an attacker that had more shots (140) than any other Championship player this season, as per WhoScored.com. He’s certainly confident in his goal-getting ability, that goes without saying.
Not only that, but Watkins bamboozled defences as returns of 2.2 key passes and 2.7 dribbles per game suggests and interest from above comes as little shock. With the transfer window now open, Brentford will hope they can see off potential suitors in the winger, but he has the required skill set that would appeal to any number of Premier League teams.
