Best Midfielders in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 82 Championship Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 33 clubs with a combined market value of €194.1M. The average market value for Championship Midfielders is €2.4M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Championship is Gustavo Hamer, worth €16.0M and playing for Sheffield United at 28 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €12.4M in market value, including Isaac Price and Sydie Peck.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Michael Golding (20 years, Leicester City, €2.0M), while the oldest is Moussa Sissoko (36 years, Watford FC, €300K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 39 Midfielders (48%) 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 Midfielders 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 33 clubs with €194.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Midfielders
The Championship CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (24 players, 29% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €66.9M, averaging €2.8M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (16 players)
24-26 Years (24 players)
27-29 Years (17 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 9 Midfielders (11% of players) control €90.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 1% of the Championship CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Midfielders
Among 33 Championship clubs, Sheffield United leads with 6 Midfielders worth €36.4M (averaging €6.1M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 46% of tracked Midfielders.
Sheffield United (6 Midfielders)
Watford FC (5 Midfielders)
Leicester City (3 Midfielders)
West Bromwich Albion (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Gustavo Hamer
Sheffield United • 28 years old
€20.7M
€16.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.0M
69.8
Isaac Price
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
66.8
Sydie Peck
Sheffield United • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
66.1
Victor Torp
Coventry City • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.0
Imrân Louza
Watford FC • 27 years old
€10.6M
€10.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €8.8M
60.2
Tommy Doyle
Birmingham City • 24 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.2M
58.2
Jordan James
Leicester City • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.5
Harry Winks
Leicester City • 30 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.8M
56.1
Edoardo Bove
Watford FC • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.4
Bobby Clark
Derby County • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
51.7
Will Smallbone
Millwall FC • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.5
Joe Aribo
Southampton FC • 29 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.3M
49.0
Edo Kayembe
Watford FC • 28 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.5M
48.9
Lewis O'Brien
Wrexham AFC • 27 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
48.8
Gonçalo Franco
Swansea City • 25 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
47.5
Regan Slater
Hull City • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.0
Nicolas Madsen
Queens Park Rangers • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.0
Luke Cundle
Millwall FC • 24 years old
€2.8M
€3.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
46.8
Pelle Mattsson
Norwich City • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
42.4
Marko Stamenić
Swansea City • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
42.4
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)
West Bromwich Albion's Isaac Price at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.45×. That means Isaac Price is valued 5.45× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sheffield United's Sydie Peck, who is 21 years old, with a 5.45× PPVE. Third is Tommy Doyle of Birmingham City, who is 24 years old with a 4.00× 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 5.45× means the player is worth 445% 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 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €2.2M | 5.45× |
| #2 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €2.2M | 5.45× |
| #3 | Tommy Doyle Birmingham City | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €2.0M | 4.00× |
| #4 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.2M | 3.64× |
| #5 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #6 | Edoardo Bove Watford FC | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.2M | 2.27× |
| #8 | Gonçalo Franco Swansea City | 25 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #9 | Luke Cundle Millwall FC | 24 | 24-26 | €3.2M | €2.0M | 1.60× |
| #10 | Anis Ben Slimane Norwich City | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #11 | Pelle Mattsson Norwich City | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #12 | Marko Stamenić Swansea City | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #13 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.2M | 1.36× |
| #14 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.2M | 1.36× |
| #15 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.2M | 1.14× |
| #16 | Eliot Matazo Hull City | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €2.2M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | U21 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #19 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.2M | 0.91× |
| #20 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €2.2M | 0.82× |
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)
Millwall FC's Daniel Kelly at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Daniel Kelly is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Arbroath FC's Findlay Marshall, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Michael Golding of Leicester City, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #2 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #3 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #4 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #5 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 5 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #6 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #7 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #8 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 5 | €2.2M | €3.2M | +30% |
| #10 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €12.0M | €17.2M | +30% |
| #11 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #12 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | 22 | 4 | €175K | €234K | +25% |
| #13 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €1.4M | €1.9M | +25% |
| #14 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #16 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 4 | €12.0M | €16.0M | +25% |
| #17 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #18 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 3 | €175K | €218K | +20% |
| #19 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #20 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Arbroath FC's Findlay Marshall has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Michael Golding has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Leicester City's Michael Golding with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jude Bonnar of Ayr United FC with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 46.3 means the upside is 46.3× 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 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Michael Golding Leicester City | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | €13.2M | €11.4M-15.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Jordan James Leicester City | €8.8M | €7.6M-10.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €187K | €165K-210K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | €185K | €163K-207K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | €12.7M | €11.2M-14.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
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: midfielder position shows strong 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)
Blackburn Rovers's Adam Forshaw in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-17.6%. That means Harry Winks captures 8.0% of total market value while representing only 25.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Bristol City's Sam Morsy with a +-17.6% ASC (8.0% value share vs 25.6% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Luke Berry of Charlton Athletic with a +-17.6% ASC (8.0% value vs 25.6% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-17.6% ASC means the player captures -17.6% 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 | Adam Forshaw Blackburn Rovers | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #2 | Sam Morsy Bristol City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #3 | Luke Berry Charlton Athletic | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #4 | Kenny McLean Norwich City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #5 | Jamie Lindsay Ross County FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #6 | Matt Crooks Hull City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #7 | Jay Fulton Swansea City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #8 | Robbie Crawford Partick Thistle FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #9 | Massimo Luongo Millwall FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #10 | Ben Pearson Stoke City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #11 | Scott Brown Raith Rovers FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #12 | Sam Stanton St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #13 | Lewis Baker Stoke City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #14 | Charlie Telfer Airdrieonians FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #15 | Sondre Tronstad Blackburn Rovers | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #16 | Harry Winks Leicester City | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #17 | Cameron Brannagan Oxford United | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #18 | Ross Matthews Raith Rovers FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #19 | Moussa Sissoko Watford FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
| #20 | Barry Bannan Millwall FC | 30+ | 8.0% | 25.6% | -17.6% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 20 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 35 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €800K. 1 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.75 | Undervalued |
Jordan James Leicester City | €8.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.97 | Good Value |
Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Matty Todd Dunfermline Athletic FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.85 | Good Value |
Tashan Oakley-Boothe Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.84 | Good Value |
Reece McAlear St. Johnstone FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Dean Cornelius Ross County FC | €200K | €1.2M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Ben Dempsey Ayr United FC | €200K | €1.2M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €800K | €1.2M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Paris Maghoma Norwich City | €800K | €1.2M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Luke Le Roux Portsmouth FC | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Will Smallbone Millwall FC | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Edoardo Bove Watford FC | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Robbie Crawford Partick Thistle FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Scott Brown Raith Rovers FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Sam Stanton St. Johnstone FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Charlie Telfer Airdrieonians FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.39 | Fair Value |