The Championship has long been a breeding ground for Premier League talent, with some of England’s biggest stars coming through the second tier before lighting up the top flight.
From technical wizards to prolific goal scorers, the division is packed with players capable of making the jump to the Premier League.
With the quality and competitiveness of the Championship continuing to grow, Transfer News Blitz writer Max Steel takes a look at five players who have shown they are ready to test themselves in the top flight and could make an immediate impact at the highest level.
Will Lankshear (Middlesbrough)
Will Lankshear was only brought to Middlesbrough in the summer for a sum that could eventually rise to around £20million, in what was an eye-catching figure.
Off the back of a loan spell in the Championship where he scored 12 goals in an Oxford United side which was relegated from the second tier last season, Boro fought off competition from all around Europe for his signature.
The 21-year-old has shown exactly why so many clubs wanted him in the opening stages of the season, scoring nine goals in 12 games.
His latest came in a 1-0 home win over promotion favourites Wolverhampton Wanderers, which put Boro into an automatic promotion place and second on the table.
The 6ft 1 in striker has all the attributes in his game to succeed, but Middlesbrough seems a perfect fit for his game to develop.
Under boss Kim Helberg, they create a boatload of chances, and their lack of a clinical centre-forward probably cost them in their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.
His knack of being in the right place and arriving with one-touch finishes will be what Boro will be hoping can fire them into the promised land this time round.
Tottenham included clauses in the deal with Middlesbrough for the right to be notified and match any future bid that they receive for Lankshear, perhaps the biggest indication, past his recent form, just how much potential he really has.
Finn Azaz (Southampton)
Finn Azaz has established himself as one of the Championship’s most dangerous attacking midfielders, combining an eye for goal with the creativity to unlock stubborn defences.
Now at Southampton after leaving Middlesbrough in 2025, the Republic of Ireland international has continued to deliver in the second tier, recording three goals and five assists across his opening nine Championship appearances of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 26-year-old technician has contributed at least 20 goal contributions in his last two Championship seasons, showcasing his ability to find space between the lines, find pockets of space and ability to directly contribute to so many goals, which make him an attractive option for Premier League sides.
There will be obvious question marks about whether he has the ability to make the big step up to top-flight football.
But his consistency in the Championship, combined with his tireless off-the-ball work and flexibility, makes him a really interesting option if one of the Premier League sides decided to make a move for him.
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Callum Doyle (Wrexham)
Callum Doyle is into his fifth successive season in the Championship despite only being 23 years old.
His impressive reputation is easy to ignore given Wrexham have had a disappointing start to the season.
However, Doyle is your typical modern-day centre-back.
Able to attack and defend to a capable level, he is very comfortable stepping out from the back with possession and breaking lines, which helps Wrexham build attacks from the back.
While many will be quick to acknowledge there are things to work on in his defensive game, it is by no means a weakness of his and at such a young age, the time that is needed can be afforded.
Doyle had enjoyed successful loan spells at both Leicester City, Norwich City and Coventry City before moving to Wrexham from Manchester City for around £7.5 million.
His first season in Wales ended with his inclusion in the Championship Team of the Season and him winning Wrexham Players’ Player of the Season.
Doyle’s style of play would be attractive to teams in the Premier League. His CV, as mentioned, is so impressive for his age.
Alongside his mesmerising attacking play for a defender, he suits the style of the Premier League, being comfortable playing at fullback as a centre-half, like we see many of the top Premier League sides do.
Fer Lopez (Wolves)
Fer Lopez has been spectacular for Wolves at the start of this season, coming back from a difficult season for him last season, going back on loan to Celta Vigo after a difficult start to his career in the Premier League.
However, after six goal contributions in eight Championship appearances from him, he is producing match-winning moments and demonstrating the all-round qualities which make him such an exciting prospect, and give us an insight into why Wolves spent around £20 million pounds on him last year.
Lopez connects the Wolves team together so well, combining technical quality with a physical side to his game that we have not previously seen.
He has the ability to hurt an opposition side at any moment, and pops up in just about all areas of the field with the ball.
A modern-day press-resistant midfielder, capable of receiving the ball anywhere on the pitch.
While it may be too early to definitely say he is ready to make the leap to the top flight after his tough experience last year, if the Spaniard can keep up his form throughout the season, he will definitely be on the radar of many Premier League sides.
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Zan Vipotnik (Swansea)
With 23 goals last season, which was enough to claim the golden boot in the Championship, it was perhaps a surprise that Vipotnik did not make his move in the summer.
Whilst only scoring two goals in his opening nine matches of this Championship campaign, he has only started two of those matches.
Vipotnik has shown in his Championship career that he is a fantastic goalscorer. For a Swansea side that is sitting at the top of the division at the moment, the Swans will be hoping he can find his form from last year and solidify their promotion hopes.
The Slovenian striker has shown a range of finishing in a Swansea shirt, with the ability to score all types of goals. Whether that is with his head, first touch or from range.
What stands out is his knack of being able to be in the right place at the right time, and his presence of mind to improvise and make the best of whatever is thrown at him.
At 24 years old, there is still time for him to be given the evidence needed to be certain he can make an impact in the top flight.
However, if he finds his form of last season, it would be no surprise if a Premier League outfit chose to pick him up.
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