UPDATE: Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has named three standout players from the EFL Championship who are likely to draw Premier League interest this January. As the January transfer window approaches, clubs are already eyeing potential signings to bolster their squads.
With just under a third of the 2025/26 EFL Championship season completed, the race for promotion is heating up. Coventry City sits atop the table, having scored an impressive 40 goals in just 15 matches, with only one loss to their name. They are emerging as early favorites for a return to the Premier League under manager Frank Lampard.
In a surprise twist, Middlesbrough is in second place despite being managerless, while Stoke City, Preston North End, Hull City, and Millwall are all in playoff contention. Conversely, Sheffield Wednesday and their city rivals Sheffield United are struggling, with the latter sitting in 22nd place after scoring a league-low 11 goals.
As clubs prepare for the winter transfer window, the spotlight is on three key players: Jaden Philogene from Ipswich Town, Brandon Thomas-Asante from Coventry City, and Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City. Hendrie highlighted that Philogene, who has previous Premier League experience, is already making waves after moving to Ipswich. He noted the potential for Thomas-Asante, stating, “He’s been involved in goals a lot this season, and at just 26, could he step up to the Premier League?”
“These are the sort of players that might attract Premier League clubs to maybe have a go at.” – Lee Hendrie
Fatawu, a young talent at Leicester, is also on the radar of top-flight clubs due to his impressive performances. Hendrie emphasized the importance of retaining these standout players, saying, “For promotion ambitions to sustain, it is imperative that these sides keep their star players to alleviate any risk of their season becoming derailed.”
As of now, Ipswich is just outside the playoff spots in 7th place, with a game in hand after a recent postponement. Leicester, under new management, is currently in 12th place, but both clubs have the potential to surge up the table as the season progresses.
With excitement building ahead of the January transfer window, the stakes are high for clubs in the Championship. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how potential moves could reshape the league dynamics.
As the window opens, expect a flurry of activity as teams scramble to secure their targets. Will clubs be able to fend off Premier League interest and retain their key talents? Only time will tell.
