Every summer, the Championship becomes a focal point of discussion as clubs vie to bolster their squads with promising talent for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

The summer transfer window officially reopened on Monday, June 16, allowing clubs to buy and sell players until the September 1 deadline at 19:00 BST. While the Championship is usually a hive of activity, we’re yet to see any major moves in or out of the division, aside the newly promoted sides, as Jobe Bellingham swapped the Stadium of Light for the Signal Iduna Park in Germany. 

We’ve picked out 11 Championship stars that could be on the move this summer, both domestically to the top flight, or internationally, that had a dramatic impact in Fantasy EFL.

Please notes also – This analysis centres exclusively on clubs that have remained in the Championship, rather than those recently relegated from the Premier League.

GOALKEEPER

Viktor Johannson – Stoke City

Swedens number one and Stoke’s Player of the Year, Johannson was the standout keeper in the EFL last season. The 26-year-old played in all 46 games for the Potters, scoring 211 points on Fantasy. He kept 14 shutouts, making 152 saves in the process – the most of any keeper in the EFL.

Relegation seemed a certainty for the Potters, but thanks to the Swedish international, they narrowly avoided the drop by just two points. Without him, League One football would have been unavoidable. Now, with Aaron Ramsdale (G) potentially leaving St. Mary’s, fellow Championship club Southampton have joined several international clubs expressing interest. Keep a close eye on this developing transfer saga.

DEFENDERS

Anel Ahmedhodzic – Sheffield United

The Bosnia international is set to become a free agent next summer, and many of the Blades’ assets futures are in doubt following their play-off heartbreak. It was said last summer that they wanted £20 million for Ahmedhodzic.

The number 15 had a strong season, racking up 227 points in 41 games. Beyond his three goals and one assist, he was a defensive powerhouse. He lead his team with 180 clearances and 55 tackles. At just 26 and a threat from set pieces, he’s likely to be highly sought-after this summer.

Japhet Tanganga – Millwall

The Lions’ star centre-back swept the board, earning a hat-trick of prestigious accolades. The Supporters’ Club Player of the Year, the Players’ Player of the Year, and the Junior Lions Player of the Season. His exceptional performance since signing last summer from Spurs saw him make 41 appearances and even earn a Player of the Month nomination in November. Over his 18 months at The Den, he’s established himself as one of the team’s most vital players, accumulating 230 points last season. In that time, he netted two goals and made an impressive 215 clearances.

Despite his integral role in Alex Neil’s side, the 26-year-old’s future is uncertain. There’s significant buzz about a potential cut-price release clause in his contract. That could pique the interest of both Premier League and international clubs.

MIDFIELDERS

Gustavo Hamer – Sheffield United

Following a tough relegation in 2023/24, the Dutchman shone as a rare bright spot with 11 goal contributions in the Premier League. He truly hit his stride with the Blades this season, bagging 10 goals and 8 assists to earn the Championship’s Player of the Year award. His impressive season included 251 points in 44 matches and an assist for the opening goal in the play-off final against Sunderland.

The 27-year-old, a versatile midfielder adept in various roles, is undoubtedly one of the most coveted players currently available. Leeds, Brentford, and Fulham are all reportedly keen on acquiring his services. It would be surprising if he does not make exit Bramall Lane this window.

Finn Azaz – Middlesbrough

The number 20, an eye-catching playmaker and one of the EFL’s best, boasts an impressive record. After 21 goal contributions for Plymouth in 2023/24, he excelled for Boro with 12 goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances, accumulating a club-high 259 points.

With Middlesbrough missing out on the play-offs for a second consecutive season, the Republic of Ireland international may be tempted away from the Riverside by reported interest from several top-flight clubs.

Jack Rudoni – Coventry City

The Sky Blues’ number five is set to be highly sought after this transfer window. He truly excelled under Frank Lampard, demonstrating his prowess by scoring 10 goals, providing 13 assists, and making 24 interceptions. This impressive output resulted in a total of 266 points, 40 points clear of Milan van Ewijk (D).

While the play-off dream was shattered against Sunderland, the transformation from 17th to snatching a spot on the final day was remarkable. Without question, Rudoni was crucial in this. As a result, both Championship and Premier League clubs have expressed significant interest in securing his services.

Tom Fellows – WBA

A true product of the club’s academy, the number 31 has been with the team since he was in the U10s and is now a genuine creative force. This season, he truly shone, bagging 16 assists and four goals. His assist tally was the highest in the entire EFL, a testament to his playmaking abilities. While he accumulated 182 points in 45 appearances, these numbers don’t fully reflect his impact. Playing in an offence that struggled for much of the season, his impressive attacking returns haven’t gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Everton had bids for him rejected in January. With his age and undeniable talent, he certainly has a bright future ahead. Interestingly, having grown up in Solihull with a family that supports Birmingham City, could a Midlands switch be a possibility?

FORWARDS

Josh Sargent – Norwich City

With 15 goals and six assists in 32 appearances – 28 starts – the USA international has established himself as one of the division’s premier strikers. He boasts an even more remarkable record in the Championship, scoring 31 goals in 55 games over the last two seasons, and racked up 161 Fantasy points.

A move to Elland Road for a reunion with Daniel Farke is rumoured. Equally, several international clubs are also reportedly vying for his signature. Similar to the Jonathan Rowe saga last summer, the number nine could be in for a similar few weeks.

Borja Sainz – Norwich City

A truly captivating talent, this Spanish winger drew attention from clubs across the board last season. Despite a six-match ban in January which limited his second-half output, he still delivered an impressive 224 Fantasy points in 41 appearances. He found the net 18 times and assisted four goals, including two memorable hat-tricks. Notably, of his goals were from open play. With 99 successful take-ons and four long-range strikes (second-most), he’s arguably the most electrifying prospect when he’s on form.

Porto’s c£13 million offer for the number seven was rejected by Liam Manning’s side, with the player now in the final year of his deal. While a return to his boyhood club, Athletic Bilbao, could be on the cards, this move might be contingent on other transfers. This situation mirrors the Rowe saga, suggesting a summer of rejuvenation is in store for the Canaries.