The English Football League (EFL) has always been a fertile ground for Premier League clubs to unearth talented players.
From rising stars to established talents, the lower leagues have long served as a stepping stone for players looking to make their mark on the top flight.
Recently, clubs like Crystal Palace have made wise investments by scouting the Championship, with signings such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton showcasing the talent pool.
EFL’s Influence on Premier League Careers
In fact, the EFL has shaped many players’ careers and even contributed to the success of England’s national team.
Of the 26 players selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad, 19 had experience in the EFL.
A number of January transfers further highlight the continued flow of talent from the Championship and League One into higher tiers, with players like Eiran Cashin, Romain Esse, and Alex Palmer making moves to Premier League clubs, proving that there is always potential for young talent to rise.
The Spotlight on the Next Generation of EFL Wonderkids
With this steady stream of talent in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting young players from the EFL who are ready to make the leap to the Premier League.
These 10 wonderkids, all aged 23 or younger, have impressed in the Championship and beyond, and their performances have made them potential summer signings for top-flight clubs.
Tom Fellows: A Winger to Watch
Age: 21
Club: West Brom
Position: Winger
Tom Fellows has been one of the standout players in the Championship this season, with his dazzling footwork and quick-thinking that has left defenders in his wake.
With 11 assists to his name, he leads the league and proves that his talent is more than just speed—he has an end product that makes him one of the most exciting wingers in the division.
Fellow’s performances have also earned him international recognition with England Under-21s, and comparisons to Chris Waddle are already being made.
Despite his growing success, Fellows remains humble, still driving a Ford Fiesta as he helps West Brom push for the playoffs.
Possible landing spots: Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich
Jack Rudoni: A Creative Midfielder
Age: 23
Club: Coventry City
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Jack Rudoni’s journey up the football ladder is a testament to the value of consistency.
After joining Huddersfield from AFC Wimbledon, he impressed with his creativity and versatility, even in a season where the Terriers were relegated.
His £5 million move to Coventry has proven to be a smart one, with Rudoni helping push the club into playoff contention under Frank Lampard’s guidance.
His technical ability on the ball and his leadership make him a sought-after asset in the Championship.
Possible landing spots: Brighton, Wolves
Miles Leaburn: The Powerful Striker
Age: 21
Club: Charlton
Position: Striker
The Leaburn family has a rich history at Charlton, and Miles Leaburn is continuing that tradition in fine style.
The 6ft 6in striker has been a standout performer, scoring 30 goals in 87 appearances.
Despite a setback due to a hamstring injury, Leaburn has returned with a vengeance, scoring several key goals and showing why he’s one to watch in the coming years.
His physicality and finishing ability make him an intriguing option for Premier League clubs looking to add depth to their attacking ranks.
Possible landing spots: Brighton, Chelsea, Brentford, Aston Villa
Hayden Hackney: A Midfield Maestro
Age: 22
Club: Middlesbrough
Position: Central Midfielder
Hayden Hackney’s rise to prominence has been accelerated under the guidance of former England international Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.
After a tough loan spell at Scunthorpe, Hackney has flourished, becoming one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game have not gone unnoticed, with several top Premier League clubs tracking his progress.
Middlesbrough even rejected a £10 million bid from Porto for him, signaling his value to the club.
Possible landing spots: Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Manchester City
Jobe Bellingham: A Rising Star
Age: 19
Club: Sunderland
Position: Attacking Midfielder
It’s hard to talk about EFL wonderkids without mentioning Jobe Bellingham, who is already making a name for himself at Sunderland.
At just 19, he’s already played 78 times for the club, contributing with his physicality, creativity, and composure under pressure.
While comparisons to his brother Jude Bellingham are inevitable, Jobe is focused on carving his own legacy.
His performances have earned him a place in England’s Under-21 squad, and his future in the Premier League looks bright.
Possible landing spots: Tottenham, Brentford, Arsenal, Man United
Chris Rigg: A Midfield Prodigy
Age: 17
Club: Sunderland
Position: Central Midfielder
Another gem from Sunderland’s academy, Chris Rigg has been dubbed the club’s best academy graduate since Jordan Henderson.
His rise through the ranks has been meteoric, making his first-team debut at just 15 and drawing comparisons to legends like Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.
Known for his leadership, engine, and bravery on the pitch, Rigg is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in England right now.
Possible landing spots: Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool
Tommy Conway: A Clinical Striker
Age: 22
Club: Middlesbrough
Position: Striker
Tommy Conway’s ability to find the back of the net has been crucial for Middlesbrough this season.
Known for his sharp movement, clinical finishing, and work rate, Conway has already scored 10 goals in 24 league appearances.
His form has earned him international recognition with Scotland, and with more than 100 Championship appearances already to his name, his potential for growth is clear.
Possible landing spots: Brentford, Everton, West Ham, Fulham
Sam Tickle: A Goalkeeper with Premier League Potential
Age: 22
Club: Wigan Athletic
Position: Goalkeeper
Sam Tickle’s meteoric rise at Wigan has been remarkable. After a loan spell at a lower tier club, he returned to Wigan to become a key figure, earning an England Under-21 call-up in the process.
His shot-stopping ability has been compared to Premier League standards, and he’s currently outperforming his Expected Goals Against.
With several top clubs keeping an eye on him, Tickle looks set for a bright future.
Possible landing spots: Man United, Arsenal, Everton
Ryan Andrews: A Future Right-Back Star
Age: 20
Club: Watford
Position: Right Back
Ryan Andrews is another player continuing a family tradition at Watford, following in his father Wayne’s footsteps.
The right-back has impressed with his energy, composure on the ball, and ability to contribute to the attack.
Having made 81 appearances for the Hornets, Andrews is quickly becoming one of the standout young defenders in the Championship.
Possible landing spots: Brentford, Crystal Palace
Oscar Schwartau: A Talented Attacking Midfielder
Age: 18
Club: Norwich City
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Oscar Schwartau has had a breakthrough season at Norwich, demonstrating his versatility and talent.
The Danish midfielder joined from Brondby in 2024 and has quickly become a regular in the first team.
Despite not yet seeing the returns to match his performances, Schwartau’s potential is undeniable, and Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has praised him as a future Premier League star.
Possible landing spots: Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth
Stoke’s Struggles and Johansson’s Heroics
While Stoke has struggled to find their footing in the Championship this season, goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has been a standout performer.
Despite the team’s difficult campaign, Johansson has been exceptional, keeping 10 clean sheets and outperforming his Expected Goals Against by a remarkable 10.8 goals.
With his impressive shot-stopping abilities, Johansson has proven to be one of the best keepers in the Championship.
Rotherham’s Big Win and Evans’ Struggles
Steve Evans’ return to Rotherham has been less successful than hoped, with the Millers sitting mid-table and unlikely to push for promotion this season.
However, a recent 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers marked a significant achievement: Rotherham’s first away victory at 3 p.m. on a Saturday since February 2022.
While Rotherham’s season may not be as successful as they hoped, Evans is aiming for a strong finish to prepare for a promotion push in 2025-26.
The Financial Reality of the Championship
The Championship remains one of the least financially stable divisions in Europe, according to a new AI-driven study.
Many clubs in the second tier have made heavy investments, sometimes spending more on wages than they generate in revenue.
The report, conducted by PLAIER and the University of St Gallen, highlights the financial instability of several Championship clubs and offers insights into the future of the league.
The study also notes that Ipswich had the most efficient sporting department last season, while Southampton struggled with efficiency despite their promotion.