The temptation for Premier League clubs flush with money can be to head abroad in search of exotic signings. The appeal of the unknown is understandable but might mean overlooking just as appealing options closer to home. Here are five Championship players who could be of interest to top flight clubs.
Ryan Sessegnon – Fulham
The attacking left-back is perhaps the division’s worst kept secret. Since making his debut as a 16-year-old at the start of last season, Sessegnon’s become an integral part of the team and been heavily linked with a move away from Craven Cottage. His contract runs until 2020 but he’s unlikely to remain there that long.
Incredibly comfortable on the ball and fond of striding forward at any opportunity, he would make for a good winger too. The youngest ever player included in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, he has continued his fine form this season, even scoring a hat-trick in a 5-4 win over Sheffield United. Sessegnon also demonstrated his remarkable eye for goal when scoring three times for England Under-19s on the way to winning the European Championships.
Jarrod Bowen – Hull City
There was a gap of more than three years between Bowen’s first and second competitive goals. He started out at Hereford United, forcing his way into the first team set-up at the age of 16, in the club’s final season before being wound up. A move to Hull City followed and the young forward was forced to bide his time.
Bowen made some fleeting appearances in the Premier League and was in from the start after relegation. He scored on the opening day against Aston Villa and added another three in August to be named EFL Player of the Month. Lively, sharp and purposeful he has 11 goals in 24 appearances from out wide. Brighton and Swansea are rumoured to be interested.
Daniel Bentley – Brentford
Still only 24, Bentley is arguably the best goalkeeper outside of the Premier League. After being released by Arsenal, he was introduced to first team football from an early age at Southend United, racking up 160 appearances before moving to Brentford last summer. He has missed just one game in his time at the club and his reputation continues to grow.
A tall and commanding figure, Bentley’s distribution from his feet and hands is excellent. An ability to play out from the back is a vital component in the modern goalkeeper’s armoury and a big part of the reason why he fits in so well at Griffin Park. Dean Smith’s side continue to defy expectations playing a positive brand of football.
Joe Bryan – Bristol City
A year ago, after eight straight defeats, Steve Lansdown gave his young manager a vote of confidence. Pressure was mounting on Lee Johnson as a positive start had fallen into disarray and supporters were getting restless. The Bristol City chairman’s show of faith has been handily repaid with the Robins now riding high in the Championship and through to the League Cup semi-finals having beaten Manchester United.
Fellow academy graduate Bobby Reid has grabbed more headlines but Joe Bryan’s form has been just as significant a factor in their current success. His energy and intent down the left has attracted plenty of admiring glances, with Birmingham City launching an ambitious double bid for him and centre-back Aden Flint over the summer. Bryan especially should be setting his sights much higher.
Joe Worrall – Nottingham Forest
One of the virtues of Mark Warburton’s nine-month reign as Nottingham Forest manager, which came to an end on New Year’s Eve, was his willingness to blood young players. Rather than just brief cameos, he was prepared to keep their best prospects regularly involved. Ben Brereton and Tyler Walker have impressed at the top of the pitch, while Joe Worrall has been a rock in defence.
The 20-year-old centre-back has had a remarkable 2017, becoming a permanent fixture for his club and captaining England to victory at the Toulon Tournament. Physically imposing and a real leader, his positioning and anticipation belie his inexperience. Worrall still has plenty to learn but is on the right track.
