Best Goalkeepers in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Goalkeepers 2026-27
Our database tracked 36 Championship Goalkeepers in the 2026-27 season, representing 26 clubs with a combined market value of €45.5M. The average market value for Championship Goalkeepers was €1.3M, with the average age at 28 years old.
The most valuable goalkeeper in the Championship was Gavin Bazunu, worth €9.0M and played for Stoke City at 24 years old. The top 5 Goalkeepers averaged €4.6M in market value, including Carl Rushworth and Radek Vítek.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked goalkeeper was Max Thompson (21 years, Ayr United FC, €250K), while the oldest was Asmir Begovic (38 years, Leicester City, €200K). Research shows Goalkeepers typically peak at age 29.
Historical analysis showed 17 Goalkeepers (47%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Championship market for Goalkeepers remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 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 Goalkeepers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 26 clubs with €45.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Goalkeepers
The Championship GK market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (14 players, 39% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €23.4M, averaging €2.9M per player.
Top Goalkeepers by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (4 players)
24-26 Years (8 players)
27-29 Years (10 players)
30+ Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Goalkeepers (11% of players) control €21.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 6% of the Championship GK pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Goalkeepers
Among 26 Championship clubs, Stoke City leads with 1 Goalkeepers worth €9.0M (averaging €9.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 53% of tracked Goalkeepers.
Stoke City (1 Goalkeepers)
Coventry City (1 Goalkeepers)
Bristol City (2 Goalkeepers)
Preston North End (2 Goalkeepers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Gavin Bazunu
Stoke City • 24 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.9M
60.5
Carl Rushworth
Coventry City • 24 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
55.3
Radek Vítek
Bristol City • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
47.9
Daniel Iversen
Preston North End • 28 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
40.0
Ivor Pandur
Hull City • 26 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
39.3
Daniel Peretz
Southampton FC • 25 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Arthur Okonkwo
Wrexham AFC • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
37.7
Fran Vieites
Leicester City • 27 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
36.2
Paul Nardi
Queens Park Rangers • 32 years old
€2.1M
€1.6M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.4M
35.0
Thomas Kaminski
Charlton Athletic • 33 years old
€1.7M
€1.3M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.1M
32.8
Jamie Cumming
Oxford United • 26 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Seny Dieng
Middlesbrough FC • 31 years old
€1.5M
€1.2M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.1M
30.9
Alex Palmer
Ipswich Town • 29 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.0M
27.6
Lukas Jensen
Millwall FC • 27 years old
€778K
€900K
+15.6%
Expected: €922K
27.3
Ryan Allsop
Birmingham City • 33 years old
€1.0M
€800K
-22.6%
Expected: €681K
26.5
Danny Ward
Wrexham AFC • 32 years old
€1.0M
€800K
-22.6%
Expected: €681K
26.1
Josef Bursik
Portsmouth FC • 25 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
26.0
Christian Walton
Ipswich Town • 30 years old
€845K
€800K
-5.4%
Expected: €719K
25.2
Daniel Grimshaw
Norwich City • 28 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €684K
23.5
Nathan Baxter
Watford FC • 27 years old
€562K
€650K
+15.6%
Expected: €666K
23.0
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)
Bristol City's Radek Vítek at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 14.00×. That means Radek Vítek is valued 14.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Stoke City's Gavin Bazunu, who is 24 years old, with a 4.50× PPVE. Third is Carl Rushworth of Coventry City, who is 24 years old with a 3.00× 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 14.00× means the player is worth 1300% 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 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €250K | 14.00× |
| #2 | Gavin Bazunu Stoke City | 24 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €2.0M | 4.50× |
| #3 | Carl Rushworth Coventry City | 24 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €2.0M | 3.00× |
| #4 | Daniel Peretz Southampton FC | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Arthur Okonkwo Wrexham AFC | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21 | 21-23 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #7 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €250K | 0.60× |
| #8 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 21-23 | €125K | €250K | 0.50× |
| #9 | Josef Bursik Portsmouth FC | 25 | 24-26 | €800K | €2.0M | 0.40× |
| #10 | Josh Rae Raith Rovers FC | 25 | 24-26 | €175K | €2.0M | 0.09× |
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)
Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Max Thompson is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 5 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Ayr United FC's Max Thompson, who is 21 years old, with a +44% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Toby Steward of St. Johnstone FC, who is 21 years old with a +44% RPP (5 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 5 | €125K | €223K | +44% |
| #2 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21 | 5 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #3 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #4 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #5 | Arthur Okonkwo Wrexham AFC | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #6 | Gavin Bazunu Stoke City | 24 | 2 | €9.0M | €12.9M | +30% |
| #7 | Carl Rushworth Coventry City | 24 | 2 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #8 | Josh Rae Raith Rovers FC | 25 | 1 | €175K | €234K | +25% |
| #9 | Daniel Peretz Southampton FC | 25 | 1 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #10 | Josef Bursik Portsmouth FC | 25 | 1 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
St. Johnstone FC's Toby Steward has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 103.3. That means Toby Steward has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke with a 103.3 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Max Thompson of Ayr United FC with a 103.3 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 103.3 means the upside is 103.3× 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 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | €185K | €168K-202K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #2 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | €154K | €140K-169K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #3 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | €309K | €280K-337K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #4 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | €4.2M | €3.8M-4.5M | +19% | 100.1 |
| #5 | Arthur Okonkwo Wrexham AFC | €2.2M | €2.0M-2.4M | +10% | 58.1 |
| #6 | Carl Rushworth Coventry City | €6.6M | €6.1M-7.1M | +10% | 58.1 |
| #7 | Gavin Bazunu Stoke City | €9.9M | €9.1M-10.7M | +10% | 58.1 |
| #8 | Jamie Cumming Oxford United | €1.3M | €1.2M-1.4M | +7% | 41.2 |
| #9 | Ivor Pandur Hull City | €2.4M | €2.2M-2.5M | +7% | 41.2 |
| #10 | Josh Rae Raith Rovers FC | €185K | €170K-200K | +6% | 34.5 |
| #11 | Daniel Peretz Southampton FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.3M | +6% | 34.5 |
| #12 | Josef Bursik Portsmouth FC | €847K | €779K-914K | +6% | 34.5 |
| #13 | Alex Palmer Ipswich Town | €1.0M | €947K-1.1M | +3% | 18.0 |
| #14 | Calum Ferrie Queen's Park FC | €205K | €188K-221K | +2% | 14.7 |
| #15 | Fran Vieites Leicester City | €1.8M | €1.7M-2.0M | +2% | 14.7 |
| #16 | Lukas Jensen Millwall FC | €922K | €848K-995K | +2% | 14.7 |
| #17 | Nathan Baxter Watford FC | €666K | €612K-719K | +2% | 14.7 |
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: goalkeeper 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)
Raith Rovers FC's Josh Rae in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +29.2%. That means Gavin Bazunu captures 51.4% of total market value while representing only 22.2% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Hull City's Ivor Pandur with a +29.2% ASC (51.4% value share vs 22.2% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Jamie Cumming of Oxford United with a +29.2% ASC (51.4% value vs 22.2% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +29.2% ASC means the player captures 29.2% 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 | Josh Rae Raith Rovers FC | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #2 | Ivor Pandur Hull City | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #3 | Jamie Cumming Oxford United | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #4 | Daniel Peretz Southampton FC | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #5 | Josef Bursik Portsmouth FC | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #6 | Arthur Okonkwo Wrexham AFC | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #7 | Gavin Bazunu Stoke City | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #8 | Carl Rushworth Coventry City | 24-26 | 51.4% | 22.2% | +29.2% |
| #9 | Ryan Allsop Birmingham City | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #10 | Adam Davies Sheffield United | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #11 | George Long Southampton FC | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #12 | Paul Nardi Queens Park Rangers | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #13 | Danny Ward Wrexham AFC | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #14 | Christian Walton Ipswich Town | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #15 | Josh Vickers Derby County | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #16 | Lawrence Vigouroux Swansea City | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #17 | Seny Dieng Middlesbrough FC | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #18 | Dillon Phillips Hull City | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #19 | Joe Lumley Bristol City | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
| #20 | Asmir Begovic Leicester City | 30+ | 19.5% | 38.9% | -19.4% |
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: 4 immediate targets, 6 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 11 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 €650K. 1 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Josh Rae Raith Rovers FC | €175K | €800K | -1.52 | Undervalued |
Josef Bursik Portsmouth FC | €800K | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Carl Rushworth Coventry City | €6.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Calum Ferrie Queen's Park FC | €200K | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jamie Cumming Oxford United | €1.2M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Will Mannion Charlton Athletic | €400K | €800K | -0.60 | Good Value |
George Long Southampton FC | €200K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Josh Vickers Derby County | €200K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Asmir Begovic Leicester City | €200K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Jack Walton Preston North End | €500K | €800K | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Dillon Phillips Hull City | €250K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Adam Davies Sheffield United | €300K | €800K | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Alex McCarthy Southampton FC | €300K | €800K | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Andy Fisher Swansea City | €600K | €800K | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Nathan Baxter Watford FC | €650K | €800K | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | €125K | €800K | -0.04 | Fair Value |
Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | €150K | €800K | -0.03 | Fair Value |
Lawrence Vigouroux Swansea City | €450K | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joe Lumley Bristol City | €450K | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Daniel Grimshaw Norwich City | €700K | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
How We Rank Championship Goalkeepers
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for goalkeepers, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for GK
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Championship goalkeepers, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Championship goalkeepers, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Goalkeepers with 2,700+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Goalkeepers peak at 29 with gradual 3.5%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Championship competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
GK Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 29 years (latest of all positions due to experience premium)
Decline Rate: 3.5% per year (slowest decline, experience compensates for reflexes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,700 per season (near-complete games for #1 goalkeeper)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: GK-specific -3.5%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±8% confidence interval (most stable)
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for goalkeepers
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Championship Goalkeepers in the 2026-27 season
Who are the most valuable Goalkeepers in the Championship in 2026-27?
The most valuable goalkeeper in the Championship in 2026-27 is Gavin Bazunu, who is worth €9.0M and plays for Stoke City. The second most valuable is Carl Rushworth (€6.0M, Coventry City), followed by Radek Vítek (€3.5M, Bristol City). Our database tracks 36 Championship Goalkeepers with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.
How are Championship Goalkeepers ranked?
Championship Goalkeepers are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Goalkeepers. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Championship competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Goalkeepers peak?
Goalkeepers typically peak at age 29, later than outfield players, with a slower decline rate of 3.5% per year after peak. This is supported by research from Dendir (2016) showing that goalkeepers maintain elite performance longer due to the position's reliance on positioning, decision-making, and experience rather than pure athleticism. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,700 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top goalkeeper from the Championship?
Transfer fees for Championship Goalkeepers vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu (market value: €9.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €7.2M to €12.6M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Championship transactions.
What is the value forecast for Championship Goalkeepers?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Championship Goalkeepers based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-goalkeepers have ±8% volatility (most stable). Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Championship goalkeeper data come from?
Our Championship goalkeeper data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Championship sources and updated monthly for the 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.