10 Championship players who Premier League clubs should sign

Ladbrokes looks at the best current Championship stars who Premier League clubs should be keeping an eye on.

The Championship has been a proven gold mine for talent over the years. From Jude Bellingham and Gareth Bale to Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins, a host of youngsters have proven themselves to be elite players after starring in England's second tier.

Leeds and Burnley have secured their return to the Premier League, with all eyes now turning to the play-offs as Sheffield United and Sunderland were joined by Coventry and Bristol City on the final day.

Should any of these sides miss out on reaching the promised land, a host of top-flights are likely to make a move for their stars. Here are some of the most in-demand Championship players.

Being the youngster brother of Jude Bellingham has its challenges but Jobe is now making waves of his own for play-off winners Sunderland.

Still just 19, the talented midfielder has already racked up nearly 100 Black Cats appearances and already looks ready-made for Premier League football with his physicality, ball-carrying ability and eye for a goal and was named the Championship's Young Player of the Season for 2024/25.

Interest will be high this summer despite Sunderland returning to the top flight with Manchester United, who missed out on older brother Jude a few years ago, and Chelsea linked. The teenager may be tempted to follow a similar route to his sibling and head to Borussia Dortmund, however.

Hayden Hackney is another who could be playing Premier League football next season even though Middlesbrough missed out on promotion.

The central midfielder, who has attracted interest from Tottenham in the past, is reportedly on Crystal Palace's wish list and after nurturing talents such as Ebere Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton from the second tier, you could see why Hackney might want to make the move.

West Brom fell away dramatically in the play-off race in recent weeks, resulting in Tony Mowbray's dismissal, and things could get worse for the Baggies with prized asset Tom Fellows set to move on.

Recent reports suggest Everton are progressing with a move to sign the 21-year-old winger, who provided 14 assists and scored four goals in his first full season in the second tier.

The Championship's joint second top scorer this season, Borja Sainz's 18 goals are made all the more impressive by the fact they have come in a relatively average Norwich side - and all while playing on the right wing.

With the Canaries likely to sell their star man in the summer, the Spaniard may prove a handy addition for a Premier League, while a number of European sides have also been credited with an interest.

James Trafford has broken all sorts of defensive records for promoted side Burnley and the goalkeeper is regularly linked with Premier League sides.

Newcastle are long-term admirers of the England stopper, while West Ham have also emerged as a contender. Such is the interest in Trafford, he could well be on the move even though the Clarets have been promoted themselves.

Sunderland has proved a real hotbed for talent in recent years and 17-year-old local lad Chris Rigg might be the most exciting of the lot.

The attacking midfielder has been a regular for the Black Cats since last season, already surpassing 60 appearances and scoring seven goals.

Such is the hype around the England Under-19 international, Man Utd are one of the names tracking the youngster and Sunderland will be hoping they can hang onto their academy star for a bit longer after securing promotion.

Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League last season sparked transfer interest in Anel Ahmedhodzic but after remaining, the Bosnia centre-back was instrumental in helping the Blades go within touching distance of the top flight once again, albeit they fell short in the play-offs.

Ipswich were close to agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old defender back in August but with the Tractor Boys heading back to the Championship, Wolves or Brentford might be the better option.

Shea Charles played a key role in Southampton's promotion back to the Premier League last season and been similarly impressive in the second tier this term after securing a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday.

With Southampton's relegation confirmed, 21-year-old midfielder Charles may have felt he could have helped the Saints' cause this season given their miserable season.

Bobby Thomas has been a revelation at the back for Frank Lampard's Coventry as they reached the play-offs.

An old-school defender who loves blocking everything that comes his way, former Burnley centre-back Thomas is also adept on the ball, making the 24-year-old an attractive proposal for Premier League sides.

Willy Gnonto's talent has never been in doubt but he is now showing it on a regular basis for promoted Leeds.

Still just 21 and with seven goals and five assists in the second tier, Gnonto will be a key man in the top flight next season, that it's if they are able to fend off interest from previous suitors Everton and West Ham.

View the latest football odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.