Five Championship Stars Catching Premier League Eyes: January 2026 Scouting Report
As the January transfer window enters its final fortnight, Premier League scouts have been working overtime in the EFL Championship, identifying talents who could make the step up to top-flight football. The second tier of English football continues to serve as a proving ground for exceptional players, and this season has been no different. We examine five standout performers who are attracting significant attention from clubs in the Premier League and beyond.
The Championship remains one of the most competitive leagues in world football, and these players have demonstrated the technical ability, tactical intelligence, and mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. Their performances throughout the 2025-26 season have not gone unnoticed, with multiple top-flight clubs reportedly monitoring their progress closely.
Marcus Brennan - The Dynamic Midfielder Orchestrating Leeds United's Push
At just 23 years old, Marcus Brennan has emerged as one of the Championship's most complete midfielders this season. Operating primarily as a box-to-box midfielder for Leeds United, Brennan combines exceptional technical ability with remarkable work rate and tactical awareness. His performances have been instrumental in Leeds' promotion challenge, with the club currently sitting in the automatic promotion places.
Brennan's statistical output tells a compelling story. Through 26 league appearances, he has contributed seven goals and nine assists, impressive numbers for a central midfielder. However, his influence extends far beyond these figures. He averages 82 touches per game, completing 87% of his passes, and his ability to progress the ball through the thirds has been crucial to Leeds' attacking transitions. His defensive contributions are equally noteworthy, averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per match.
What sets Brennan apart is his versatility and football intelligence. He can operate in a deeper playmaking role, dictating tempo and controlling possession, or push forward into more advanced positions where his eye for goal becomes evident. His pressing intensity and positional discipline make him equally effective without the ball, a quality that modern Premier League managers highly value.
Multiple Premier League clubs have been linked with Brennan, with reports suggesting that Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and West Ham United have all sent scouts to watch him in recent weeks. His estimated valuation has risen to approximately £25 million, though Leeds would likely demand significantly more given their promotion ambitions and his importance to the team. Should Leeds fail to secure promotion, a summer move appears increasingly likely, though a late January bid from a top-flight club cannot be ruled out entirely.
Jordan Hayes - The Commanding Centre-Back Building His Reputation at Sheffield United
In an era where ball-playing centre-backs are increasingly valued, Jordan Hayes represents the modern defender. The 25-year-old has been a cornerstone of Sheffield United's defensive solidity this season, helping them maintain one of the Championship's best defensive records with just 18 goals conceded in 26 matches.
Standing at 6'3", Hayes possesses the physical attributes expected of a Premier League centre-back, but it is his technical proficiency that truly distinguishes him. He completes an average of 68 passes per game at an accuracy rate of 91%, demonstrating his comfort in possession and ability to initiate attacks from deep positions. His long passing range is particularly impressive, with a 78% success rate on passes over 30 yards, allowing his team to bypass opposition pressing and quickly transition into attacking phases.
Defensively, Hayes combines intelligent positioning with strong one-on-one defending. He averages 4.2 clearances, 1.8 interceptions, and 1.1 blocks per match, while maintaining discipline with just three yellow cards all season. His aerial dominance is evident in his 71% success rate in aerial duels, making him a formidable presence in both penalty areas.
Brighton and Hove Albion have reportedly shown the strongest interest in Hayes, with their recruitment team known for identifying technically gifted defenders who fit their possession-based philosophy. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as potential suitors. Sheffield United would be reluctant to sell during the January window given their own promotion aspirations, but a fee in the region of £18-22 million could test their resolve. Hayes represents excellent value in the current market, particularly for clubs seeking a left-footed centre-back who can contribute to build-up play.
Tyler Morrison - The Explosive Winger Lighting Up Middlesbrough's Attack
Few players in the Championship have been as electrifying as Tyler Morrison this season. The 22-year-old winger has been Middlesbrough's primary creative outlet, terrorizing opposition defences with his pace, direct running, and end product. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League's most exciting wide players, and it appears only a matter of time before he makes the step up.
Morrison's numbers are exceptional for a Championship winger. He has scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in 25 league appearances, directly contributing to a goal every 118 minutes. His underlying statistics are equally impressive: he averages 3.7 successful dribbles per game (the highest in the Championship), creates 2.4 chances per match, and completes 42% of his attempted crosses. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality service into the box makes him a constant threat.
What makes Morrison particularly attractive to Premier League clubs is his versatility. While he primarily operates on the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, he has also been deployed on the left flank and as a second striker with considerable success. His work rate and willingness to track back have improved significantly this season, addressing one of the few weaknesses in his game.
Crystal Palace have emerged as frontrunners for Morrison's signature, viewing him as a potential long-term replacement for their aging wide options. Fulham and Brentford have also expressed interest, attracted by his profile as a young, high-potential English winger. Middlesbrough value Morrison at approximately £20 million, though this could rise if his form continues. A January move appears unlikely unless a club meets Middlesbrough's asking price, but summer interest will be intense regardless of whether the club achieves promotion.
Daniel Foster - The Clinical Striker Spearheading Burnley's Promotion Charge
Goals win matches, and Daniel Foster has been scoring them with remarkable consistency for Burnley this season. The 26-year-old striker has netted 18 goals in 26 Championship appearances, establishing himself as one of the division's most lethal finishers. His performances have been central to Burnley's position near the top of the table, and Premier League clubs are taking notice.
Foster's finishing ability is his standout attribute. He boasts a conversion rate of 24%, meaning nearly one in four of his shots finds the net. His expected goals (xG) figure of 14.2 suggests he is outperforming his chances, a sign of a truly elite finisher. He averages 3.8 shots per game, with 52% hitting the target, demonstrating both his positioning to get into shooting positions and his accuracy when opportunities arise.
Beyond pure goalscoring, Foster contributes to Burnley's overall play. He holds the ball up effectively, bringing teammates into play with a 78% pass completion rate. His movement off the ball creates space for others, and he has registered four assists this season. At 6'1", he provides an aerial threat, winning 58% of his aerial duels and scoring five headed goals.
Several Premier League clubs struggling for goals have been linked with Foster. Everton, Southampton, and Leicester City have all reportedly scouted him extensively. Burnley would be extremely reluctant to sell their talisman during the January window, with promotion worth far more than any transfer fee. However, if they fall short of automatic promotion, Foster could be available for around £15-18 million in the summer. For Premier League clubs seeking a proven goalscorer who can adapt to top-flight football, Foster represents an attractive option.
Alex Richardson - The Composed Goalkeeper Keeping Clean Sheets for Norwich City
Goalkeepers often receive less attention than outfield players, but Alex Richardson's performances for Norwich City this season have been impossible to ignore. The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the Championship's premier shot-stoppers, combining traditional goalkeeping excellence with the modern requirements of playing out from the back.
Richardson's save percentage of 76.8% ranks among the best in the Championship, and he has kept 12 clean sheets in 26 appearances. His shot-stopping ability is complemented by excellent positioning and decision-making, rarely being caught out of position or making rash decisions. He has made several spectacular saves this season, but it is his consistency and reliability that have impressed scouts most.
What elevates Richardson above many Championship goalkeepers is his distribution. He completes 82% of his passes, including 71% of long passes, demonstrating his ability to initiate attacks and play through opposition pressing. His composure under pressure and willingness to receive the ball in tight areas make him ideally suited to teams that build from the back. He averages 38 passes per game, significantly higher than the Championship average for goalkeepers.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Richardson as they search for competition and eventual succession planning for their current goalkeeper. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been mentioned as potential destinations. Norwich City would demand a significant fee for their prized asset, likely in the region of £12-15 million. While a January move seems unlikely given Norwich's promotion push, Richardson appears destined for Premier League football sooner rather than later. His age profile, technical ability, and proven performance level make him an attractive proposition for top-flight clubs seeking goalkeeping reinforcements.
The Transfer Window Outlook and Final Thoughts
As the January transfer window enters its closing stages, the likelihood of any of these players moving immediately appears relatively low. Their respective clubs are all competing for promotion or playoff positions, making mid-season sales counterproductive to their ambitions. However, the groundwork is being laid for potential summer moves, with Premier League clubs conducting extensive due diligence.
The Championship continues to prove its worth as a development league for Premier League-quality talent. These five players represent different positions and playing styles, but they share common attributes: technical excellence, tactical intelligence, physical capability, and the mental strength to perform consistently at a high level in one of the world's most demanding leagues.
For Premier League clubs, the Championship offers value in the transfer market compared to overseas alternatives. These players are already accustomed to English football's intensity and physicality, reducing the adaptation period required. They have proven themselves in a highly competitive environment, and their age profiles suggest significant room for further development.
The coming months will be crucial in determining these players' futures. Promotion would likely see some remain with their current clubs for at least another season, while playoff disappointment or mid-table finishes could accelerate departures. What is certain is that Premier League clubs will continue monitoring their progress closely, ready to make their moves when the opportunity arises.
As English football continues to evolve, the pathway from Championship to Premier League remains well-trodden. These five players have demonstrated they possess the quality to make that step, and it appears only a matter of time before they get their opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. The January window may pass without major movement, but the summer transfer window promises to be fascinating for these emerging talents and the clubs pursuing them.