The EFL: A Goldmine for Premier League Talent
The EFL (English Football League) has long been a fertile ground for Premier League clubs to scout and sign talent. Many top-flight teams regularly dip their toes into the lower leagues, often discovering gems that can significantly enhance their squads. Crystal Palace’s recent acquisitions of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton from the Championship are prime examples of the potential rewards of looking down the football pyramid. The EFL has also served as a crucial stepping stone for many players who later went on to represent England. In fact, 19 members of England’s 26-man squad at last summer’s Euros had experience across the three EFL divisions. This trend continued in January, with players like Eiran Cashin (Derby to Brighton), Romain Esse (Millwall to Crystal Palace), and Alex Palmer (West Brom to Ipswich) following the well-trodden path. While these players are still finding their feet at their new clubs, they further underscore the opportunities that exist in the EFL. In light of this, let’s take a closer look at 10 promising EFL players, all aged 23 or under and yet to play in the Premier League, who could be on the move this summer.
Tom Fellows: The Baggies Winger with a Signature Move
At just 21, West Brom winger Tom Fellows has already turned heads with his explosive speed and dribbling skills. His signature move, a sprint to the byline followed by a pause, stepover, and the ability to go on either foot, has left many Championship defenders in the dust. This season, Fellows has not only dazzled with his individual brilliance but has also contributed significantly to the Baggies’ play-off push with 11 assists, leading the way in the Championship. His performances have earned him England Under-21 honours, and he has been compared to the legendary Chris Waddle. Despite his success, Fellows remains grounded, still driving a Ford Fiesta. Possible landing spots for Fellows include Everton, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich.
Jack Rudoni: The Creative Force at Coventry
Jack Rudoni, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder, has followed a well-trodden path from the EFL to higher grounds. After a spell at AFC Wimbledon, Rudoni joined Huddersfield and was one of their few bright spots during a chaotic season that ended in relegation. A £5 million move to Coventry City raised eyebrows, but Rudoni has since proved his worth under Frank Lampard, scoring five goals and notching 10 assists. His creativity, versatility, and quality on the ball have earned him praise from the Chelsea legend, who recently called him "an absolute dream to work with." Potential Premier League suitors for Rudoni include Brighton and Wolves.
Miles Leaburn: The Next Charlton Hero
Miles Leaburn, a 21-year-old striker, is already a hero at Charlton Athletic, much like his father Carl, who made 376 appearances for the club between 1987 and 1998. Standing at 6ft 6in, Leaburn is a throwback to a different era of football. His breakthrough season in 2022-23 saw him score 30 goals in 87 appearances, catching the attention of several top clubs, including an unnamed Bundesliga side that made a £3 million bid. A serious hamstring injury sidelined him for 11 months, but Leaburn has returned stronger, scoring four times and adding two assists in the festive period. He was named EFL Young Player of the Month and League One Player of the Month in December. Potential landing spots for Leaburn include Brighton, Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa.
Hayden Hackney: The Future of Central Midfield
Hayden Hackney, a 22-year-old central midfielder, is another player benefiting from a mentor of the highest calibre. Under Michael Carrick, Hackney broke through at Middlesbrough after a tough loan spell at Scunthorpe that ended in relegation to the National League. Since then, Hackney has become one of the best midfielders in the Championship, earning seven caps for England Under-21. A £10 million bid from Porto was rejected in January, and several Premier League scouts, including those from Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool, have been keeping a close eye on him. Possible landing spots for Hackney include Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Manchester City.
Jobe Bellingham: The Hyped Wonderkid
It’s hard to compile a list of EFL wonderkids without mentioning Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who has been making waves at Sunderland. Despite the immense pressure of following in his brother Jude’s footsteps, Jobe has been integral to Sunderland’s promotion push this season. He has already made 78 appearances for the club, showcasing his power, attitude, and composure. His versatility has seen him play as a No. 10 and in deeper roles, and his decision to leave Birmingham in 2023 and wear ‘Jobe’ on his shirt shows his determination to build his own legacy. Jobe has earned recognition with England’s Under-21 side and has many top-flight admirers. Possible landing spots for Jobe include Tottenham, Brentford, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Chris Rigg: The Next Sunderland Star
Chris Rigg, a 17-year-old central midfielder, is another promising talent to emerge from Sunderland’s renowned academy. Rigg made his Sunderland debut at 15 and was recently named Young Player of the Year at the North East Football Writers’ Association Awards alongside Jobe Bellingham. He rejected a move to arch-rivals Newcastle, endearing himself to the Sunderland faithful. European giants have shown interest, but Rigg chose to sign a three-year professional contract with the Black Cats. Rigg is viewed as Sunderland’s best academy graduate since Jordan Henderson, with former boss Tony Mowbray comparing him to Roy Keane. Others see traits of Bryan Robson and Phil Foden in his game. Possible landing spots for Rigg include Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
