Best Strikers in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Strikers 2025-26
Our database tracks 77 Championship Strikers in the 2025-26 season, representing 35 clubs with a combined market value of €256.1M. The average market value for Championship Strikers is €3.3M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable striker in the Championship is Jay Stansfield, worth €18.0M and playing for Birmingham City at 23 years old. The top 5 Strikers average €14.0M in market value, including Josh Sargent and Haji Wright.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked striker is Owen Stirton (19 years, Airdrieonians FC, €150K), while the oldest is Jay Rodríguez (36 years, Wrexham AFC, €300K). Research shows Strikers typically peak at age 26.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 35 Strikers (45%) 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 Strikers 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 Strikers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 35 clubs with €256.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Strikers
The Championship ST market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (26 players, 34% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €93.1M, averaging €3.6M per player.
Top Strikers by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (14 players)
24-26 Years (26 players)
27-29 Years (13 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 8 Strikers (10% of players) control €97.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Championship ST pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Strikers
Among 35 Championship clubs, Norwich City leads with 2 Strikers worth €30.0M (averaging €15.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 40% of tracked Strikers.
Norwich City (2 Strikers)
Birmingham City (4 Strikers)
Southampton FC (3 Strikers)
Sheffield United (4 Strikers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
72.4
Josh Sargent
Norwich City • 26 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
72.3
Haji Wright
Coventry City • 28 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.5M
66.2
Mathias Kvistgaarden
Norwich City • 24 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
61.0
Cameron Archer
Southampton FC • 24 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
61.0
Adam Armstrong
Southampton FC • 29 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.1
Josh Maja
West Bromwich Albion • 27 years old
€9.5M
€9.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €7.9M
58.9
Tyrese Campbell
Sheffield United • 26 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.3M
58.8
Tom Cannon
Sheffield United • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
58.7
Ellis Simms
Coventry City • 25 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
57.8
George Hirst
Ipswich Town • 27 years old
€8.5M
€8.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €7.0M
57.4
David Strelec
Middlesbrough FC • 25 years old
€6.5M
€7.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.3M
57.0
Adam Idah
Swansea City • 25 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
56.1
Patson Daka
Leicester City • 27 years old
€7.4M
€7.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €6.1M
55.8
Kyogo Furuhashi
Birmingham City • 31 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
54.3
Carlton Morris
Derby County • 30 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
54.2
Chuba Akpom
Ipswich Town • 30 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
54.2
Divin Mubama
Stoke City • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
53.9
Ben Brereton Díaz
Derby County • 27 years old
€6.3M
€6.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.3M
53.8
Joe Gelhardt
Hull City • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.4
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)
Preston North End's Milos Lukovic at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 20.00×. That means Milos Lukovic is valued 20.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Southampton FC's Cameron Archer, who is 24 years old, with a 6.67× PPVE. Third is Mathias Kvistgaarden of Norwich City, who is 24 years old with a 6.67× 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 20.00× means the player is worth 1900% 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 | Milos Lukovic Preston North End | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €250K | 20.00× |
| #2 | Cameron Archer Southampton FC | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €1.5M | 6.67× |
| #3 | Mathias Kvistgaarden Norwich City | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €1.5M | 6.67× |
| #4 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €3.0M | 6.00× |
| #5 | Ellis Simms Coventry City | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #6 | David Strelec Middlesbrough FC | 25 | 24-26 | €7.5M | €1.5M | 5.00× |
| #7 | Adam Idah Swansea City | 25 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €1.5M | 4.67× |
| #8 | Joe Gelhardt Hull City | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33× |
| #9 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €3.0M | 2.67× |
| #10 | Divin Mubama Stoke City | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #11 | Mihailo Ivanović Millwall FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €3.0M | 1.50× |
| #12 | Andri Gudjohnsen Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #13 | Luca Kjerrumgaard Watford FC | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €3.0M | 1.33× |
| #14 | Daniel Jebbison Preston North End | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €3.0M | 1.33× |
| #15 | Andy Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 20 | U21 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #16 | Nik Prelec Oxford United | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Iván Azón Ipswich Town | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Ole Romeny Oxford United | 25 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #19 | Milan Smit Stoke City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €3.0M | 0.67× |
| #20 | Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | 19 | U21 | €150K | €250K | 0.60× |
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)
Airdrieonians FC's Owen Stirton at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Owen Stirton 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 Andy Tod, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Milos Lukovic of Preston North End, 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 | Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | 19 | 7 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #2 | Andy Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #3 | Milos Lukovic Preston North End | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #4 | Vivaldo Semedo Watford FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #5 | Mihailo Ivanović Millwall FC | 21 | 5 | €4.5M | €6.5M | +30% |
| #6 | Divin Mubama Stoke City | 21 | 5 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #7 | Daniel Jebbison Preston North End | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #8 | Tammer Bany West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 4 | €250K | €334K | +25% |
| #9 | Louis Lloyd St. Johnstone FC | 22 | 4 | €125K | €167K | +25% |
| #10 | Charlie McNeill Sheffield Wednesday | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #11 | August Priske Birmingham City | 22 | 4 | €1.6M | €2.1M | +25% |
| #12 | Makenzie Kirk Portsmouth FC | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #13 | Iván Azón Ipswich Town | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #14 | Luca Kjerrumgaard Watford FC | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.0M | +20% |
| #15 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 3 | €8.0M | €9.9M | +20% |
| #16 | Milan Smit Stoke City | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #17 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 3 | €18.0M | €22.4M | +20% |
| #18 | Michael Ruth Queen's Park FC | 24 | 2 | €300K | €347K | +14% |
| #19 | Dapo Mebude Arbroath FC | 24 | 2 | €125K | €145K | +14% |
| #20 | Andri Gudjohnsen Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.3M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Airdrieonians FC's Owen Stirton has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Owen Stirton has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Dunfermline Athletic FC's Andy Tod with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Milos Lukovic of Preston North End 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 | Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | €179K | €154K-203K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Andy Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Milos Lukovic Preston North End | €5.7M | €4.9M-6.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Divin Mubama Stoke City | €6.6M | €5.7M-7.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Mihailo Ivanović Millwall FC | €5.0M | €4.3M-5.6M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Vivaldo Semedo Watford FC | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Luca Kjerrumgaard Watford FC | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | €8.6M | €7.5M-9.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Milan Smit Stoke City | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | €19.3M | €17.0M-21.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Iván Azón Ipswich Town | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Daniel Jebbison Preston North End | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Tammer Bany West Bromwich Albion | €265K | €233K-296K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Louis Lloyd St. Johnstone FC | €132K | €116K-148K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Charlie McNeill Sheffield Wednesday | €423K | €373K-474K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | August Priske Birmingham City | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Makenzie Kirk Portsmouth FC | €423K | €373K-474K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Callum Smith Queen's Park FC | €154K | €136K-173K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Kieran Phillips Ross County FC | €154K | €136K-173K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Josh Sargent Norwich City | €20.6M | €18.1M-23.1M | +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: striker 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)
Leicester City's Jordan Ayew in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-13.7%. That means Kyogo Furuhashi captures 13.6% of total market value while representing only 27.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Birmingham City's Marvin Ducksch with a +-13.7% ASC (13.6% value share vs 27.3% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Tony Watt of Partick Thistle FC with a +-13.7% ASC (13.6% value vs 27.3% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-13.7% ASC means the player captures -13.7% 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 | Jordan Ayew Leicester City | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #2 | Marvin Ducksch Birmingham City | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #3 | Tony Watt Partick Thistle FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #4 | Danny Ings Sheffield United | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #5 | Patrick Bamford Sheffield United | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #6 | Chuba Akpom Ipswich Town | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #7 | Alex Samuel Partick Thistle FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #8 | Sam Gallagher Stoke City | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #9 | Jamal Lowe Sheffield Wednesday | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #10 | Lewis Vaughan Raith Rovers FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #11 | Uche Ikpeazu St. Johnstone FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #12 | Carlton Morris Derby County | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #13 | Eamonn Brophy Greenock Morton FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #14 | Kieffer Moore Wrexham AFC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #15 | Oli McBurnie Hull City | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #16 | George Oakley Ayr United FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #17 | Gustavo Tocantins PSS Sleman | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #18 | Lyndon Dykes Charlton Athletic | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #19 | Everton Garudayaksa FC | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
| #20 | Kyogo Furuhashi Birmingham City | 30+ | 13.6% | 27.3% | -13.7% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 16 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 €125K. 0 undervalued, 5 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Anton Dowds Ayr United FC | €125K | €1.8M | -1.07 | Good Value |
Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | €150K | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Emil Riis Bristol City | €5.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Joe Gelhardt Hull City | €5.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Divin Mubama Stoke City | €6.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ryan Hardie Wrexham AFC | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.72 | Good Value |
Ben Brereton Díaz Derby County | €6.0M | €1.8M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Alex Samuel Partick Thistle FC | €125K | €1.8M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Eamonn Brophy Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €1.8M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Tony Watt Partick Thistle FC | €150K | €1.8M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Uche Ikpeazu St. Johnstone FC | €150K | €1.8M | -0.62 | Good Value |
George Oakley Ayr United FC | €150K | €1.8M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Everton Garudayaksa FC | €175K | €1.8M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Lewis Vaughan Raith Rovers FC | €200K | €1.8M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Gustavo Tocantins PSS Sleman | €275K | €1.8M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Jay Rodríguez Wrexham AFC | €300K | €1.8M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Louis Lloyd St. Johnstone FC | €125K | €1.8M | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Tammer Bany West Bromwich Albion | €250K | €1.8M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Charlie McNeill Sheffield Wednesday | €400K | €1.8M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Makenzie Kirk Portsmouth FC | €400K | €1.8M | -0.33 | Fair Value |