Which Championship stars could be heading to Premier League?

With the opening of the January 2025 transfer window, there is the chance that players from the EFL Championship will be coming to the Premier League this month. Here, Adrian Clarke selects five star performers who could shortly follow in the footsteps of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton to make the step up.

Borja Sainz (Spain)
Club: Norwich City | Age 23

Playing on the left side of Norwich's forward line, 23-year-old Sainz is enjoying his best season yet.

Scouts have been flocking to Carrow Road to watch the Spaniard, who currently leads the race for the Championship’s Golden Boot with 15 goals.

Claiming two hat-tricks among his career-best haul, Sainz has used his pace to run in behind full backs to score and has produced some impudent penalty-box finishes, but the winger’s forte is a right-footed scorcher.

Cutting inside from the left, he has netted at least four contenders for the Championship's Goal of the Season, with his stunning brace at home to Middlesbrough being a truly memorable individual display.

Sainz's first goal v Middlesbrough...

...and his second

Sainz tends to play in a wide attacking role, rather than centrally, and his ability to carry the ball past opponents is a core strength.

He has completed more successful dribbles and scored more goals from ball carries than any other Championship player in 2024/25 so far.

Sainz's attacking stats 24/25

This is by far the standout season of Sainz’s career, with his statistics showing a major improvement on the six goals and two assists he delivered in 2023/24.

Now fully acclimatised to English football, the young Spaniard has looked a level above the Championship this season.

Sainz's speed, touch, balance and finishing ability are top class, so it is no surprise that he is attracting plenty of attention.

Jobe Bellingham (England)
Club: Sunderland | Age: 19

The versatility of Bellingham was evident last season when he was used as a striker, a false nine, a No 10 and even as a defensive midfielder, but under Sunderland's current head coach Regis Le Bris, he is developing into a top class all-round central midfielder.

Tall and languid, the 19-year-old is very comfortable on the ball, and has the ability to effortlessly glide past opponents inside a congested midfield.

That composure marks him out as an exceptional talent, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Real Madrid and England star, Jude.

Bellingham loves to make runs into the danger zone, and has a habit of timing those bursts especially well.

His header against Oxford United earlier this season was a great example of how dangerous Bellingham is when he gets inside the penalty area.

Backing up the seven goals he scored in 2023/24, Bellingham currently sits on four goals this season, with three assists.

Playing as part of a double-pivot, the teenager likes to marry his tidy distribution with excellent ball-winning attributes.

Creating 31 chances in open play - the most of any Sunderland player - Bellingham also leads his club's rankings for regaining possession.

Bellingham's selected statistics 24/25

He can be a formidable physical presence and uses his tall frame to good effect.

Bellingham is mature for his age and hugely talented. He has a big future ahead.

Finn Azaz (Ireland)
Club: Middlesbrough | Age: 24

Middlesbrough’s attacking midfielder Azaz is one of the Championship’s most technically gifted players.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international is a fabulous creator who consistently produces incisive through-balls.

Azaz, who spent three years with Villa without making a top-flight appearance, also chips in with plenty of goals, and has netted nine so far this season.

His trademark finish is to pass the ball calmly into the bottom corner.

Stats-wise his numbers have been outstanding.

Not only has he registered the joint-most goals and assists, with 17, but Azaz also ranks second for chances created, key passes in open play, and shots.

Azaz's attacking stats 24/25

He tends to play as a central No 10, but Azaz also drifts seamlessly into the wide areas, where he has the ability to produce game-changing crosses.

These two assists against Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers showcase his quality with both feet.

Coming into his prime, the Irishman is maturing into a high-calibre performer at Championship level.

A return to the Premier League seems inevitable if he maintains his form.

Romain Esse (England)
Club: Millwall | Age: 19

Millwall’s exciting teenager Esse has steadily improved since making his debut in December 2022.

Now 19, he is catching the eye as his side's biggest attacking threat in 2024/25.

Although stronger with his left foot, Esse has largely featured this season on the right wing, using his sublime close control to cut inside and ease past opposing players.

Esse has also developed the physical side of his game, and is now a powerful runner with superb balance.

He has already completed 51 dribbles - the second most in the Championship - but is also the most fouled player in the division.

Most dribbles completed/fouls won Championship 24/25

Esse has been involved in almost one quarter of Millwall's 23 goals in 2024/25 - scoring five and assisting one across all competitions - but as he gains experience, he is sure to improve these numbers.

Esse's Boxing Day goal v Norwich

Still a little raw, but full of potential, Millwall’s teenage talent is a player to keep your eye on.

Giorgi Chakvetadze (Georgia)
Club: Watford | Age: 25

Georgia international Chakvetadze thrills Watford supporters whenever the ball is at his feet.

A mesmeric dribbler, the 25-year-old consistently weaves past opposing defenders, and his end product is usually very good.

More of a creator than a goalscorer, Chakvetadze has set up a Championship-high 57 chances this season.

The attacking midfielder operates as a left-sided No 10, and from there his total of 45 key passes in open play puts him top of the division rankings.

Best Championship creators 24/25

Chakvetadze’s ability at set-plays is also eye-catching, and after scoring a magnificent free-kick at Millwall on the opening weekend, it is a surprise he has not added more.

Chakvetadze's superb strike v Millwall

An industrious team player who presses well - only three Championship players have won possession more often inside the final third - Chakvetadze's ability to create moments of magic is what makes him a special talent.

It is little wonder Premier League clubs are showing interest in the Georgia international.

Talent-wise he looks ready to play at the highest level.

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