Best U23 Young Players in the Championship
112 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Players in the Championship (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Championship Young Players 2025-26
Our database tracks 112 Championship Young Players in the 2025-26 season, representing 29 clubs with a combined market value of €322.2M. The average market value for Championship Young Players is €2.9M, with the average age at 21.7 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Championship is Issahaku Fatawu, worth €18.0M and playing for Leicester City at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Players average €16.0M in market value, including Sindre Walle Egeli and Victor Kristiansen.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young player is Franciszek Franczak (18 years, St. Johnstone FC, €150K), while the oldest is Victor Kristiansen (23 years, Leicester City, €15.0M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 112 Young Players (100%) 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 Young Players 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 Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 29 clubs with €322.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Young Players
The Championship ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (93 players, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €278.4M, averaging €3.0M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (19 players)
21-23 Years (93 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 12 Young Players (11% of players) control €146.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 4% of the Championship ALL pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Young Players
Among 29 Championship clubs, Leicester City leads with 7 Young Players worth €53.8M (averaging €7.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 53% of tracked Young Players.
Leicester City (7 Young Players)
Southampton FC (7 Young Players)
Sheffield United (11 Young Players)
West Bromwich Albion (5 Young Players)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Issahaku Fatawu
Leicester City • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
71.8
Sindre Walle Egeli
Ipswich Town • 19 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.8M
71.3
Victor Kristiansen
Leicester City • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
70.1
Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
70.1
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.3
Tom Cannon
Sheffield United • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.5
Aaron Ramsey
Leicester City • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.3
Samuel Iling-Junior
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
60.9
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
Damion Downs
Southampton FC • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.5
Jordan James
Leicester City • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.5
Elias Jelert
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.4
Samuel Edozie
Southampton FC • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
55.1
Toby Collyer
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.6
Papa Amadou Diallo
Norwich City • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
51.7
Harry Amass
Sheffield Wednesday • 19 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.0M
50.4
Bobby Clark
Derby County • 21 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.3
Divin Mubama
Stoke City • 21 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.3
Nathan Wood
Southampton FC • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
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)
Ipswich Town's Sindre Walle Egeli at 19 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 28.57×. That means Sindre Walle Egeli is valued 28.57× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Leicester City's Issahaku Fatawu, who is 22 years old, with a 10.00× PPVE. Third is Victor Kristiansen of Leicester City, who is 23 years old with a 8.33× 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 28.57× means the player is worth 2757% 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 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | 19 | U21 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #2 | Issahaku Fatawu Leicester City | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.8M | 10.00× |
| #3 | Victor Kristiansen Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.8M | 8.33× |
| #4 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.8M | 8.33× |
| #5 | Harry Amass Sheffield Wednesday | 19 | U21 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14× |
| #6 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.8M | 6.67× |
| #7 | Samuel Iling-Junior West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.8M | 5.56× |
| #8 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.8M | 5.56× |
| #9 | Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.8M | 5.56× |
| #10 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.8M | 5.56× |
| #11 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.8M | 5.56× |
| #12 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.8M | 4.44× |
| #13 | Damion Downs Southampton FC | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.8M | 4.44× |
| #14 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €700K | 4.29× |
| #15 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | U21 | €2.8M | €700K | 4.00× |
| #16 | Elias Jelert Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.8M | 3.89× |
| #17 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €700K | 3.57× |
| #18 | Samuel Edozie Southampton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.8M | 3.33× |
| #19 | Lewis Koumas Birmingham City | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #20 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 19 | U21 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
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)
St. Johnstone FC's Franciszek Franczak at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Franciszek Franczak is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Ross County FC's Dylan Smith, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Ryan Oné of Sheffield United, 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 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 | Franciszek Franczak St. Johnstone FC | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #2 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #3 | Ryan Oné Sheffield United | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #4 | Ishé Samuels-Smith Swansea City | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #5 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #6 | Kai Andrews Coventry City | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #7 | David Ozoh Derby County | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.3M | +40% |
| #8 | Harry Amass Sheffield Wednesday | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #9 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #10 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #11 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #12 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 4 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #13 | Sam Curtis Sheffield United | 20 | 6 | €175K | €270K | +35% |
| #14 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #15 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €2.8M | €4.3M | +35% |
| #16 | Zak Lovelace Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #17 | Lewis Koumas Birmingham City | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #18 | Othmane Maamma Watford FC | 20 | 6 | €1.3M | €2.0M | +35% |
| #19 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #20 | Bobby Wales Swansea City | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Bristol City's Radek Vítek has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 100.1. That means Radek Vítek has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is St. Johnstone FC's Franciszek Franczak with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ryan Oné of Sheffield United 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 100.1 means the upside is 100.1× 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 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | €3.0M | €2.7M-3.2M | +19% | 100.1 |
| #2 | Franciszek Franczak St. Johnstone FC | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Ryan Oné Sheffield United | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Ishé Samuels-Smith Swansea City | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Michael Golding Leicester City | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Kai Andrews Coventry City | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Harry Amass Sheffield Wednesday | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | David Ozoh Derby County | €953K | €821K-1.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | €3.6M | €3.0M-4.2M | +19% | 46.4 |
| #13 | Zak Lovelace Millwall FC | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #14 | Lewis Koumas Birmingham City | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Sam Curtis Sheffield United | €201K | €173K-228K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.7M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Othmane Maamma Watford FC | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Bobby Wales Swansea City | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
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: young player 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)
Sheffield Wednesday's Harry Amass in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-3.4%. That means Sindre Walle Egeli captures 13.6% of total market value while representing only 17.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Ross County FC's Dylan Smith with a +-3.4% ASC (13.6% value share vs 17.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Ryan Oné of Sheffield United with a +-3.4% ASC (13.6% value vs 17.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-3.4% ASC means the player captures -3.4% 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 | Harry Amass Sheffield Wednesday | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #2 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #3 | Ryan Oné Sheffield United | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #4 | Othmane Maamma Watford FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #5 | Franciszek Franczak St. Johnstone FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #6 | Sam Curtis Sheffield United | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #7 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #8 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #9 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #10 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #11 | David Ozoh Derby County | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #12 | Zak Lovelace Millwall FC | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #13 | Lewis Koumas Birmingham City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #14 | Ishé Samuels-Smith Swansea City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #15 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #16 | Bobby Wales Swansea City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #17 | Michael Golding Leicester City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #18 | Kai Andrews Coventry City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #19 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | U21 | 13.6% | 17.0% | -3.4% |
| #20 | Vivaldo Semedo Watford FC | 21-23 | 86.4% | 83.0% | +3.4% |
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: 12 immediate targets, 100 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
No players in this category
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 €1.3M. 2 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Papa Amadou Diallo Norwich City | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.67 | Undervalued |
Toby Collyer West Bromwich Albion | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.67 | Undervalued |
Samuel Edozie Southampton FC | €6.0M | €1.5M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Elias Jelert Southampton FC | €7.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jordan James Leicester City | €8.0M | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Damion Downs Southampton FC | €8.0M | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | €125K | €1.5M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Dylan MacDonald Airdrieonians FC | €125K | €1.5M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.5M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Louie Marsh Sheffield United | €150K | €1.5M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €175K | €1.5M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Arron Lyall Greenock Morton FC | €175K | €1.5M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Kieran Ngwenya Dunfermline Athletic FC | €175K | €1.5M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Josh Reid Ross County FC | €200K | €1.5M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Max Woltman Without Club | €200K | €1.5M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Miller Thomson Ross County FC | €200K | €1.5M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Tammer Bany West Bromwich Albion | €250K | €1.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
James Furlong Hull City | €300K | €1.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Charlie McNeill Sheffield Wednesday | €300K | €1.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Benicio Baker Millwall FC | €300K | €1.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |