The Championship has proven a happy hunting ground for many Premier League outfits in the past with promising youngsters allowed to flourish at a higher level.
Crystal Palace have profited from the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze joining from Reading and QPR – and leaving for huge eight figure sums.
Whilst some may struggle to take the step up, others take the bull by the horns and reach new heights.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Samuel Leasley outlines Championship prospects he thinks Leeds United should monitor ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Hayden Hackney – Middlesbrough
A man whose future is in the balance dependent on if his side is promoted or not is Hayden Hackney.
Should Middlesbrough fail to gain promotion to the Premier League, Hackney is likely to leave in a cut-price deal to a top-flight outfit – and Leeds should capitalise if this is the case.
Despite being a solid midfield outfit, the Whites lack a creative spark on a consistent basis, with Brenden Aaronson enjoying a purple patch in January after a four-month struggle.
Hackney is one to watch for the future and presents a similar profile to the silky playmaking abilities shown by the aforementioned Olise and Eze.
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Patrick Agyemang – Derby County
Firepower keeps sides in the Premier League and also shoots a side up the table so should Leeds avoid relegation, they will likely look to bring in competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.
In his debut season in the Championship, Agyemang has scored 10 goals and is looking to fire himself into the USA squad for their home World Cup.
At 25, the forward is approaching his prime and would provide a strong pacey outlook to the Leeds attack to compliment Calvert-Lewin’s aerial presence.
The amount the Whites would need to pay is likely half of what Hackney would cost the club – and with the promise of another Premier League campaign, Agyemang may look to move whilst he has the opportunity.
Jovon Makama – Norwich City
A man who has seen his stock rise in recent weeks under the guidance of Canaries boss Philippe Clement is pacey attacker Jovon Makama.
The winger/striker has scored seven times since Clement’s appointment and would provide a new outlet for the Leeds attack.
With Dan James struggling with injury and the dubious history of injury of Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, Makama could prove a great depth option for the Leeds squad.
The former Lincoln City man could play off a big striker in a two-man frontline – but could additionally lead the line as a threat on the counter-attack.
With the Canaries having seen Josh Sargent leave the club, they will be likely to hold firm with a high asking price.
However, Premier League money talks and like Sargent, Makama could have his head turned by big-money offers.
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