The English Football League is stocked with talent and with the January transfer window fast approaching, here are eight players we think could make the step up and that Premier League clubs should have their eye on…
Jonathan Rowe
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Norwich City winger has made his breakthrough into the first-team this season and is certainly making the most of his opportunity. Six goals in 11 matches for the 20-year-old winger is an excellent return, and his combination of pace and end product will surely make him a target for top-flight clubs in the near future.
Jack Clarke
Embed from Getty ImagesIt has taken a little while for Clarke to find his feet and start playing his best football but he’s certainly doing that at Sunderland. The 22-year-old moved to Spurs from Leeds in 2019 but failed to break into the first-team and after several loan spells, made the permanent switch to the Stadium of Light. Seven goals in the first 12 games to start the season following a return of nine goals and 12 assists last season, and perhaps the best player in the Championship right now, Clarke’s silky dribbling ability means there will no doubt be Premier League clubs knocking on the door for his services.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Leicester City midfielder has already proven he can contribute in the Premier League and is having a fine season in the Championship following the club’s relegation, scoring five goals and notching three assists for the league leaders so far this campaign. He looks like a player who is too good for the Championship, and although Leicester look set to make a return to the Premier League next season, they might have a fight on their hands to keep him before that happens.
Zian Flemming
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Dutchman hasn’t been at his best compared with the high levels he set last season at Milwall following his move from Fortuna Sittard, but has shown enough in his time with the south London club to warrant a chance in the Premier League. An attacking midfielder, Flemming’s set-pieces and his ability to score goals from distance would be a valuable tool for many top-flight teams.
Gabriel Sara
Embed from Getty ImagesTeam-mate of Rowe at Norwich City, the creative, athletic and agile midfielder joined the Canaries from Sao Paolo last year and won the club’s player of the season award in his debut campaign with the club. He’s shown flashes of being a fantastic midfield player, able to drive forward from deep and create chances for the forward players. He needs to become more consistent but if there is a Premier League club who feels they can develop him further, they might just have a future star on their hands.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother player who has already proven he is Premier League quality, the former Spurs full-back really needs to be playing Premier League football and with Southampton having a mixed start to the season, there’s no guarantee they will be back there next season. Able to contribute at both ends of the pitch, the former England international would be fine addition as a back-up option for top Premier League clubs or as a first choice for those lower down the league table.
Ronnie Edwards
Embed from Getty ImagesReportedly the target of interest from West Ham and Rangers in the summer, the Peterborough United defender might be playing in League One but has shown the tools to become a top central defender. Still only 20, time is certainly on his side to make the leap up. He has the size, strength and quickness to play at a higher level and there’s no doubt that teams will be interested in him if he continues on his current path.
Eiran Cashin
Embed from Getty ImagesLeft-footed central defenders are always in demand and Cashin fits the bill. His bravery and consistency at such a young age, 21, has made him a key player at Derby and he looks like the type of character every fan wants to see from their centre-back. Certainly one to watch.
