The English Football League (EFL) has always been a goldmine of talent. It’s where future superstars are forged in the fires of relentless competition. Many of the Premier League’s biggest names cut their teeth in the lower leagues before stepping onto the grandest stage.
As another summer transfer window looms, top clubs are circling like hawks, ready to swoop in for the next big thing. So, who are the young guns making waves in the Championship? We’ve handpicked ten of the most exciting, dynamic, and downright unmissable EFL talents, each primed for a big move in 2025.
Here Are The 10 Young EFL Championship Players on Premier League Radars in 2025
1. Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland, 19)
Ignore the last name—Jobe is not living in his brother’s shadow. Jobe is his own man. He’s six feet of elegance, carrying the ball like it’s glued to his boots and picking passes that split defences like they weren’t even there.
Already a midfield leader at Sunderland, he’s been crucial in their promotion push, amassing almost 80 senior appearances. The way he glides past opponents? Straight out of the Bellingham bloodline.
2. Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough, 22)
Some players chase the game. Hayden Hackney makes the game chase him. Cool under pressure, laser-focused in possession, and smart enough to dictate play from deep, he’s been Middlesbrough’s midfield heartbeat.
If you could handpick a mentor for a young English playmaker, Michael Carrick would be at the top of the list—and Hackney is thriving under his guidance.
His ability to control tempo and break lines hasn’t just put Premier League clubs on red alert—even European giants like Porto have taken notice, with their January 2025 bid rejected as Boro fight to keep their rising star.
3. Miles Leaburn (Charlton, 21)
A striker built like a brick wall but blessed with a feather-light touch. Leaburn is a nightmare for defenders—not just because of his 6ft 6in frame, but because he can actually play. He’s not just about headers; he’s got the movement and finesse to finish with style. Injuries stalled his progress, but now he’s back, bullying defenders and banging in goals. Watch this space—big things are coming.
4. Tom Fellows (West Brom, 21)
West Brom fans have a new favourite troublemaker. Remember the days of wingers who bamboozled defenders for fun? Well, Tom Fellows is keeping that tradition alive. Fellows isn’t just fast—he’s fearless. Every touch is an attack, every dribble a challenge. He plays like he’s got a personal vendetta against full-backs. If you love wingers who actually take on their man, he’s your guy.
5. Jack Rudoni (Coventry, 23)
Some midfielders sit back and watch. Jack Rudoni does everything. Tackles, passes, late runs into the box—you name it. He’s got a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time, and his ability to link play makes Coventry tick. Premier League clubs need a player like this. He is a dream for any manager who values a hardworking, technically gifted midfielder.
6. Chris Rigg (Sunderland, 17)
Sunderland’s wonderkid has been making history since 15 years old. He plays with the fearlessness of someone who’s been waiting for this moment his whole life. Box-to-box energy, crunching tackles, and a maturity that’s just... unnatural at his age. Fierce, fearless, and full of running, he’s got leadership qualities beyond his years and big clubs are already knocking on the door.
7. Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough, 22)
Not just another striker—a striker with personality. Tommy Conway, the Bristol City academy graduate, isn’t just about tap-ins; he scores the big goals, the important ones, the ones that leave opposition fans shaking their heads. His movement is razor-sharp, his finishing is clinical, and his celebrations? Cold-blooded.
8. Sam Tickle (Wigan, 22)
Shot-stoppers don’t get enough love, so let’s talk about Sam Tickle. Sam isn’t just making saves—he’s making a name for himself. Handed the number one shirt ahead of the 2023–24 season, the young goalkeeper seized his chance, delivering performances so commanding that manager Shaun Maloney hailed him as the best goalkeeper in the English Football League.
His rise hasn’t been straightforward. After being released in 2018, Tickle battled his way back through non-league football, rejoining Wigan in 2019. Now, after a stellar season that saw him win Wigan’s Player of the Year, his stock is soaring.
Despite interest from Championship clubs, he’s committed his future to Wigan with a new four-year contract. Tickle’s sharp reflexes and fearless mentality make him one of the EFL’s most exciting young talents between the sticks.
9. Ryan Andrews (Watford, 20)
Modern full-backs are expected to be all-rounders, and Ryan Andrews embodies this new era of versatility. Whether defending or pushing forward, he is always a threat on the ball. The son of a former Hornets player, Wayne Andrews, Ryan is carving out his legacy, making a name for himself with his pace, aggression, and tactical intelligence.
10. Oscar Schwartau (Norwich, 18) – The Danish Wonderkid
Danish players are having a moment, and Oscar Schwartau Schwartau is the next one up. A midfield playmaker who moves like he’s dancing, he’s got the kind of vision that can win games on its own.
Norwich pulled off a coup getting him from Brøndby, but they won’t hold onto him for long—exactly the kind of player you can imagine shining in the top flight.
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