7 EFL Championship players who could play in the Champions League one day | OneFootball

The Championship has allowed some of the world's best players to show what they can do in the past

The Championship can provide the breeding ground for many of English football’s leading talents.

Elite operators such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham both gained valuable experience in the second-tier before showing their immense talent to the rest of the world.

Unique attributes can be crafted in the division that often prove crucial in the overall development of footballers, which explains why so many of England’s leading talents have some experience in the Championship.

Looking ahead to the future, FLW have highlighted seven current second-tier players who could play in the Champions League in years to come.

Gus Hamer

Over the summer, Gus Hamer was linked with a move away from Sheffield United on a regular basis, due to his stunning performances during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 28-year-old was named the Championship’s Player of the Year, highlighting the top level he was operating at. As deadline day approached, Dutch side PSV were strongly rumoured with a transfer for Hamer’s services, which could yet materialise in windows to come.

PSV are competing in the Champions League this season and will no doubt enjoy qualification to Europe’s premier competition in years to come.

Therefore, it would be quite likely to see Hamer featuring in the UCL sooner rather than later, if he does opt for a move away from Sheffield United in January.

Jeremy Monga

Jeremy Monga has shown small glimpses of the talent he possesses for Leicester City, impressing spectators across the division with a devastating finish against Preston North End.

The 16-year-old is the Championship’s youngest goalscorer since its re-branding in 2004/05 and clearly enjoys the natural ability needed to make it to the very top.

With a few more years of development under his belt, Monga could transform into one of Europe’s most exciting talents, which would more than likely lead to regular appearances in the Champions League.

Josh Sargent

Josh Sargent, much like Hamer, was linked with moves abroad this summer and for good reason too.

Sargent has scored 49 goals in 107 Championship games, comfortably asserting himself as the division’s leading No.9.

Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg reportedly agreed a £21 million deal for the 25-year-old in the window, but the striker turned that transfer down to remain at Carrow Road.

If he continues to perform at his current level, it seems like only a matter of time before Sargent secures a move away, which could put him on the path towards Champions League football.

Richard Kone

Richard Kone’s rapid rise from non-league to the Championship has been impressive to say the least, but the striker already looks capable of performing at a much higher level.

The 22-year-old has scored regularly in the Championship, quickly establishing himself as QPR’s main goal threat.

Given how fast he has acclimatised to each new division in his short career, it isn’t outrageous to suggest that in a few years, Kone could be scoring goals on Europe’s premier stage.

Sydie Peck

Sydie Peck has impressed Championship spectators with the immense maturity he has shown in Sheffield United’s midfield, despite recently turning just 21 years old.

His ability to conduct play will only increase with time and, under elite-level coaches, Peck could easily compete in Champions League engine rooms later down the line.

The Blades will hope to utilise his talents for a few more seasons, but much like with Adam Wharton and Blackburn Rovers, it feels like just a matter of time before the midfielder moves on to greater things.

Tom Fellows

Wowing the Championship with his outstanding wing play last season, Tom Fellows made a blockbuster £10 million move to join Southampton this summer.

His 14 league assists in 2024/25 and unique technical ability already rank him as one of the second-tier most dangerous operators, and at just 22 years of age, he could be a regular fixture at the top of English football for years to come.

If he continues to develop at his current rate, it would be no surprise to see Fellows enjoying regular Champions League action in the future.

Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield completed a high-profile move to Birmingham City last season and was under immense pressure to perform at St. Andrew’s immediately.

He used this pressure to take his game to the next level, scoring 23 times in all competitions to become the club’s top scorer.

The 22-year-old has carried this form into the Championship and, once again, looks to be Blues’ main man. His ability to cause chaos within opposition defensive lines and finish chances when he receives them makes him an enticing prospect for teams all over Europe.

If harnessed correctly, his talent could absolutely allow Stansfield to feature in the Champions League one day, potentially even with Birmingham City.