Best Midfielders in the Championship (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Championship Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 83 Championship Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 33 clubs with a combined market value of €181.6M. The average market value for Championship Midfielders is €2.2M, with the average age at 27.1 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 €10.8M in market value, including Tommy Doyle and Isaac Price.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Michael Golding (19 years, Leicester City, €2.0M), while the oldest is Moussa Sissoko (36 years, Watford FC, €400K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 36 Midfielders (43%) 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 €181.6M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Midfielders
The Championship CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (25 players, 30% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €63.7M, averaging €2.8M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (14 players)
24-26 Years (23 players)
27-29 Years (18 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 9 Midfielders (11% of players) control €79.0M
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 €34.9M (averaging €5.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 47% of tracked Midfielders.
Sheffield United (6 Midfielders)
Leicester City (3 Midfielders)
Birmingham City (3 Midfielders)
West Bromwich Albion (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. 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
Tommy Doyle
Birmingham City • 24 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
61.0
Isaac Price
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
60.9
Sydie Peck
Sheffield United • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.3
Harry Winks
Leicester City • 30 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
57.7
Jordan James
Leicester City • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.5
Will Smallbone
Millwall FC • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.2M
53.7
Imrân Louza
Watford FC • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.2M
53.7
Joe Aribo
Southampton FC • 29 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.1M
51.8
Victor Torp
Coventry City • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.5
Bobby Clark
Derby County • 21 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.3
Lewis O'Brien
Wrexham AFC • 27 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
48.8
Edo Kayembe
Watford FC • 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
Luke Cundle
Millwall FC • 23 years old
€2.8M
€3.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
47.3
Tom Davies
Sheffield United • 27 years old
€3.7M
€3.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.1M
47.1
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
Pelle Mattsson
Norwich City • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
42.4
Marko Stamenic
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)
Birmingham City's Tommy Doyle at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.00×. That means Tommy Doyle is valued 5.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is West Bromwich Albion's Isaac Price, who is 22 years old, with a 4.55× PPVE. Third is Sydie Peck of Sheffield United, who is 21 years old with a 4.55× 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 5.00× means the player is worth 400% 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 | Tommy Doyle Birmingham City | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €2.0M | 5.00× |
| #2 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €2.2M | 4.55× |
| #3 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €2.2M | 4.55× |
| #4 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.2M | 3.64× |
| #5 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 19 | U21 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #6 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €2.2M | 2.05× |
| #7 | Gonçalo Franco Swansea City | 25 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #8 | Anis Slimane Norwich City | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #9 | Pelle Mattsson Norwich City | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #10 | Marko Stamenic Swansea City | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #11 | Luke Cundle Millwall FC | 23 | 21-23 | €3.2M | €2.2M | 1.45× |
| #12 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.2M | 1.36× |
| #13 | Sidnei Tavares Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Eliot Matazo Hull City | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #15 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €2.2M | 1.00× |
| #16 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | U21 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #17 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.2M | 0.91× |
| #18 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €2.2M | 0.82× |
| #19 | Ethan Galbraith Swansea City | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #20 | Melker Widell Swansea City | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
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)
Leicester City's Michael Golding at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Michael Golding is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Coventry City's Kai Andrews, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Daniel Kelly of Millwall FC, 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 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 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #2 | Kai Andrews Coventry City | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #3 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #4 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 5 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #5 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #6 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 5 | €4.5M | €6.5M | +30% |
| #7 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #8 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €14.4M | +30% |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 5 | €2.2M | €3.2M | +30% |
| #10 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #11 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €1.4M | €1.9M | +25% |
| #12 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #13 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #14 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 3 | €175K | €218K | +20% |
| #15 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #16 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #17 | Luke Cundle Millwall FC | 23 | 3 | €3.2M | €4.0M | +20% |
| #18 | Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | 24 | 2 | €1.4M | €1.6M | +14% |
| #19 | Tommy Doyle Birmingham City | 24 | 2 | €10.0M | €11.6M | +14% |
| #20 | Ethan Galbraith Swansea City | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Leicester City's Michael Golding has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Michael Golding has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Coventry City's Kai Andrews with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Daniel Kelly of Millwall 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 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 | Michael Golding Leicester City | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Kai Andrews Coventry City | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | €11.0M | €9.5M-12.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.0M | €4.3M-5.6M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Jordan James Leicester City | €8.8M | €7.6M-10.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €187K | €165K-210K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Luke Cundle Millwall FC | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | €10.6M | €9.3M-11.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Tashan Oakley-Boothe Dunfermline Athletic FC | €154K | €136K-173K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Victor Torp Coventry City | €5.1M | €4.5M-5.8M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Nicolas Madsen Queens Park Rangers | €3.6M | €3.2M-4.0M | +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: midfielder 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)
St. Johnstone FC's Jason Holt in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-19.8%. That means Harry Winks captures 10.4% of total market value while representing only 30.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Blackburn Rovers's Adam Forshaw with a +-19.8% ASC (10.4% value share vs 30.1% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Luke Berry of Charlton Athletic with a +-19.8% ASC (10.4% value vs 30.1% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-19.8% ASC means the player captures -19.8% 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 | Jason Holt St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #2 | Adam Forshaw Blackburn Rovers | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #3 | Luke Berry Charlton Athletic | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #4 | Kenny McLean Norwich City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #5 | Jeff Hendrick Derby County | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #6 | Jamie Lindsay Ross County FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #7 | Matt Crooks Hull City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #8 | Jay Fulton Swansea City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #9 | Robbie Crawford Partick Thistle FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #10 | Massimo Luongo Millwall FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #11 | Sven Sprangler St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #12 | Ben Pearson Stoke City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #13 | Scott Brown Raith Rovers FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #14 | Sam Stanton St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #15 | Joe Ralls Without Club | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #16 | Lewis Baker Stoke City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #17 | Charlie Telfer Airdrieonians FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #18 | Sondre Tronstad Blackburn Rovers | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #19 | Harry Winks Leicester City | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
| #20 | Stevie Mallan St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 10.4% | 30.1% | -19.8% |
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: 2 immediate targets, 15 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 34 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 €1.0M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jordan James Leicester City | €8.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tashan Oakley-Boothe Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.93 | Good Value |
Dean Cornelius Ross County FC | €250K | €1.2M | -0.88 | Good Value |
Taylor Richards Without Club | €275K | €1.2M | -0.86 | Good Value |
Marc Leonard Birmingham City | €650K | €1.2M | -0.68 | Good Value |
Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.66 | Good Value |
Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €175K | €1.2M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €500K | €1.2M | -0.52 | Good Value |
Luke Le Roux Portsmouth FC | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Scott Martin Partick Thistle FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Jamie Barjonas Airdrieonians FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Cameron Blues Greenock Morton FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Kyle Turner Partick Thistle FC | €200K | €1.2M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Márk Kosznovszky Portsmouth FC | €1.3M | €1.2M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | €1.4M | €1.2M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Kai Andrews Coventry City | €250K | €1.2M | -0.26 | Fair Value |
Cameron Brannagan Oxford United | €600K | €1.2M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Victor Torp Coventry City | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Ethan Galbraith Swansea City | €1.5M | €1.2M | -0.25 | Fair Value |