Rising Stars from the EFL Championship Ready for a Premier League Move
The EFL Championship is known for producing some of the most promising talents in English football. This season, several players from clubs like Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, and Norwich City have shown they are ready to make the leap to the Premier League. With many top-tier clubs scouting the Championship for potential signings, there are plenty of opportunities for these rising stars.
Here are 10 players from the Championship who are being closely watched by Premier League teams:
Hayden Hackney – A Midfield Prodigy
Hackney has been linked with major clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton, and West Ham. The 23-year-old midfielder has made a name for himself with his exceptional passing ability and defensive contributions. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded more progressive passes than any other player in England’s top four leagues. His 93 tackles last season further highlight his all-around skills. Given his age and talent, a move to the Premier League seems inevitable.
Josh Sargent – A Clinical Forward
Despite an injury-plagued season, Sargent has proven to be a valuable forward. The 25-year-old averaged a goal contribution every 125.4 minutes for Norwich City. His game has improved significantly since his previous stint in the Premier League, making him a target for clubs like Burnley and Leeds United.
Michael Cooper – A Goalkeeping Contender
Cooper, the Sheffield United goalkeeper, had an outstanding season with numerous world-class saves. While James Trafford received much of the attention, Cooper was just as impressive, facing more shots than his teammate. Although Everton have shown interest, some pundits believe that staying at Sheffield United could be the best option for his development.
Gustavo Hamer – A Versatile Defender
Hamer is another player who exudes Premier League quality. The 28-year-old has the technical skills and experience needed to thrive in the top flight. His performances for Sheffield United in the Premier League were notable, and he could be a key asset for any club looking to strengthen their defense.
Imran Louza – A Talented Midfielder
Louza has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season. The 26-year-old has already submitted a transfer request, signaling his desire for a new challenge. Watford is trying to keep him, but if Premier League clubs show interest, it might be difficult for them to hold on to him.
Rav van den Berg – A Young Talent on the Rise
Rav van den Berg, the younger brother of Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg, has been impressing since joining Middlesbrough in 2023. The 21-year-old has drawn interest from Crystal Palace and Brentford, and his future looks bright.
Japhet Tanganga – A Bargain Target
Tanganga has developed into a reliable defender with Millwall over the past few years. The 26-year-old has a £1.2 million release clause that can only be triggered by Premier League clubs, making him an attractive and affordable option for interested teams.
Jack Rudoni – A Creative Force
Rudoni’s performances for Coventry earned him the club’s player of the year award. The 24-year-old scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in the 2024-25 season. Although Newcastle showed initial interest, his future could still lie in the Premier League.
Torbjorn Heggem – A Towering Defender
Standing at 6ft 6in, Heggem is one of the most imposing defenders in the Championship. His aerial dominance and composure on the ball make him a potential target for Premier League clubs. Bologna recently showed interest, and it’s likely other teams will follow suit.
Tom Fellows – A Playmaker in the Making
Fellows impressed with 14 assists and a goal contribution every 160 minutes last season. The 22-year-old has drawn attention from Everton, and with his current form and potential, it’s only a matter of time before he makes the jump to the Premier League.
