Best Centre-Backs in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 92 Championship Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 35 clubs with a combined market value of €212.7M. The average market value for Championship Centre-Backs is €2.3M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Championship is Taylor Harwood-Bellis, worth €20.0M and playing for Southampton FC at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €14.6M in market value, including Jacob Greaves and Dara O'Shea.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is Joachim Kayi Sanda (19 years, Southampton FC, €1.2M), while the oldest is Ben Mee (36 years, Sheffield United, €500K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 33 Centre-Backs (36%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Championship market for Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 35 clubs with €212.7M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Centre-Backs
The Championship CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (27 players, 29% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €107.5M, averaging €4.5M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (15 players)
24-26 Years (24 players)
27-29 Years (27 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 10 Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €103.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Championship CB pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Centre-Backs
Among 35 Championship clubs, Ipswich Town leads with 3 Centre-Backs worth €33.0M (averaging €11.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 38% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Ipswich Town (3 Centre-Backs)
Southampton FC (5 Centre-Backs)
Leicester City (4 Centre-Backs)
Coventry City (3 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Southampton FC • 24 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.5M
73.3
Jacob Greaves
Ipswich Town • 25 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.6M
70.0
Dara O'Shea
Ipswich Town • 27 years old
€15.9M
€15.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €13.1M
68.8
Caleb Okoli
Leicester City • 24 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.3M
66.9
Bobby Thomas
Coventry City • 25 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.8M
60.6
Eiran Cashin
Blackburn Rovers • 24 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.2M
56.6
Adilson Malanda
Middlesbrough FC • 24 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
54.7
Harry Souttar
Leicester City • 27 years old
€6.3M
€6.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.3M
53.8
Christoph Klarer
Birmingham City • 25 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
53.1
Ben Wilmot
Stoke City • 26 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.7M
52.6
Nathan Wood
Southampton FC • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.6
Dael Fry
Middlesbrough FC • 28 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.5M
48.9
Alfie Jones
Middlesbrough FC • 28 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.5M
48.9
Joshua Quarshie
Southampton FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Chris Mepham
West Bromwich Albion • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.1M
47.2
Nat Phillips
West Bromwich Albion • 29 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
41.8
Phil Neumann
Birmingham City • 28 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.6M
41.7
Luke McNally
Bristol City • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
41.5
Joel Latibeaudiere
Coventry City • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
41.5
Paddy McNair
Hull City • 31 years old
€3.6M
€2.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.3M
41.2
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Southampton FC's Taylor Harwood-Bellis at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 9.09×. That means Taylor Harwood-Bellis is valued 9.09× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Ipswich Town's Jacob Greaves, who is 25 years old, with a 7.27× PPVE. Third is Caleb Okoli of Leicester City, who is 24 years old with a 5.45× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 9.09× means the player is worth 809% more than typical players their age-making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Taylor Harwood-Bellis Southampton FC | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €2.2M | 9.09× |
| #2 | Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | 25 | 24-26 | €16.0M | €2.2M | 7.27× |
| #3 | Caleb Okoli Leicester City | 24 | 24-26 | €12.0M | €2.2M | 5.45× |
| #4 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €800K | 5.00× |
| #5 | Bobby Thomas Coventry City | 25 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €2.2M | 4.55× |
| #6 | Eiran Cashin Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €2.2M | 3.18× |
| #7 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €800K | 3.13× |
| #8 | Adilson Malanda Middlesbrough FC | 24 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €2.2M | 2.73× |
| #9 | Christoph Klarer Birmingham City | 25 | 24-26 | €5.5M | €2.2M | 2.50× |
| #10 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €800K | 2.50× |
| #11 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50× |
| #12 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €800K | 2.25× |
| #13 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.6M | €800K | 2.00× |
| #14 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €800K | 1.88× |
| #15 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €2.2M | 1.82× |
| #16 | Lewis Gibson Preston North End | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.2M | 1.14× |
| #17 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 22 | 21-23 | €850K | €800K | 1.06× |
| #18 | Formose Mendy Watford FC | 25 | 24-26 | €2.2M | €2.2M | 1.00× |
| #19 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #20 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | U21 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Ross County FC's Dylan Smith at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Joachim Kayi Sanda is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Dunfermline Athletic FC's John Tod, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Joachim Kayi Sanda of Southampton FC, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% value as they enter their prime-making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #2 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 19 | 7 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #3 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #5 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21 | 5 | €125K | €180K | +30% |
| #6 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #7 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €216K | +30% |
| #8 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #9 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #10 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #11 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 22 | 4 | €600K | €802K | +25% |
| #12 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | 22 | 4 | €125K | €167K | +25% |
| #13 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 22 | 4 | €850K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #14 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.6M | €2.1M | +25% |
| #15 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #16 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #17 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #18 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #19 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #20 | Eiran Cashin Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 2 | €7.0M | €8.1M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Southampton FC's Joachim Kayi Sanda has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Joachim Kayi Sanda has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Ross County FC's Dylan Smith with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is John Tod of Dunfermline Athletic FC with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× greater than the uncertainty-making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €149K | €128K-169K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | €165K | €143K-188K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | €138K | €119K-157K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | €635K | €559K-711K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | €900K | €792K-1.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Leon King Ayr United FC | €529K | €466K-593K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | €132K | €116K-148K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Luke McBeth Partick Thistle FC | €180K | €159K-202K | +3% | 12.0 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: centre-back position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Partick Thistle FC's Luke McBeth in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +24.4%. That means Taylor Harwood-Bellis captures 50.5% of total market value while representing only 26.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Birmingham City's Christoph Klarer with a +24.4% ASC (50.5% value share vs 26.1% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Joel Latibeaudiere of Coventry City with a +24.4% ASC (50.5% value vs 26.1% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +24.4% ASC means the player captures 24.4% more market value than their numerical representation-indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luke McBeth Partick Thistle FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #2 | Christoph Klarer Birmingham City | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #3 | Joel Latibeaudiere Coventry City | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #4 | Lewis Gibson Preston North End | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #5 | Jordan Doherty Raith Rovers FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #6 | Caleb Okoli Leicester City | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #7 | Ben Wilmot Stoke City | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #8 | Dion Sanderson Derby County | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #9 | Aji Alese Portsmouth FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #10 | Taylor Harwood-Bellis Southampton FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #11 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #12 | Di'Shon Bernard Sheffield Wednesday | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #13 | Lewis Brunt Wrexham AFC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #14 | Luke McNally Bristol City | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #15 | Morgan Boyes St. Johnstone FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #16 | Eiran Cashin Blackburn Rovers | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #17 | Mattie Pollock Watford FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #18 | Formose Mendy Watford FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #19 | Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
| #20 | Tristan Crama Millwall FC | 24-26 | 50.5% | 26.1% | +24.4% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use:"Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets."Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months."Peak" = pay premium for proven performers."Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 3 immediate targets, 16 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 42 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €700K. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | €16.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jordan Doherty Raith Rovers FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.68 | Good Value |
Cheick Diabaté St. Johnstone FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.68 | Good Value |
Luke McBeth Partick Thistle FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.66 | Good Value |
Morgan Boyes St. Johnstone FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.66 | Good Value |
Alex Iacovitti Ross County FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Shaun Want Ayr United FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Bozo Mikulic St. Johnstone FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Tom Beadling Arbroath FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Jack Baird St. Johnstone FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Charlie Fox Queen's Park FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Akil Wright Ross County FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Daniel O'Reilly Partick Thistle FC | €200K | €1.2M | -0.50 | Good Value |
Lucão PSS Sleman | €200K | €1.2M | -0.50 | Good Value |
Liam Cooper Sheffield Wednesday | €300K | €1.2M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Steve Cook Queens Park Rangers | €300K | €1.2M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |