Best U23 Young Players in the Championship
139 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Players in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Young Players 2026-27
Our database tracked 139 Championship Young Players in the 2026-27 season, representing 32 clubs with a combined market value of €361.3M. The average market value for Championship Young Players was €2.6M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Championship was Abdul Fatawu, worth €20.0M and played for Leicester City at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Players averaged €16.8M in market value, including Jay Stansfield and Sindre Walle Egeli.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young player was Franciszek Franczak (18 years, St. Johnstone FC, €150K), while the oldest was Jay Stansfield (23 years, Birmingham City, €18.0M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 139 Young Players (100%) 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 Young Players 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 Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 32 clubs with €361.3M 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 (112 players, 81% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €296.4M, averaging €2.6M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (27 players)
21-23 Years (112 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 14 Young Players (10% of players) control €170.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 2% of the Championship ALL pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Young Players
Among 32 Championship clubs, Leicester City leads with 7 Young Players worth €52.9M (averaging €7.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 39% of tracked Young Players.
Leicester City (7 Young Players)
Southampton FC (7 Young Players)
Birmingham City (4 Young Players)
Sheffield United (6 Young Players)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Abdul Fatawu
Leicester City • 22 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.2M
73.1
Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
72.4
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
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.0M
69.3
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.3
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
Samuel Iling-Junior
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
60.9
Romain Esse
Coventry City • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.3
Gustavo Nunes
Swansea City • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
59.7
Tom Cannon
Sheffield United • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
58.7
Aaron Ramsey
Leicester City • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
58.6
Ibrahim Osman
Birmingham City • 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
Divin Mubama
Stoke City • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
53.9
Jeremy Sarmiento
Middlesbrough FC • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
52.9
Samuel Edozie
Southampton FC • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
52.9
Toby Collyer
Hull City • 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
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 Swansea City's Gustavo Nunes, who is 20 years old, with a 14.29× PPVE. Third is Abdul Fatawu of Leicester City, who is 22 years old with a 13.33× 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 | Gustavo Nunes Swansea City | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #3 | Abdul Fatawu Leicester City | 22 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.5M | 13.33× |
| #4 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.5M | 12.00× |
| #5 | Victor Kristiansen Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €1.5M | 9.33× |
| #6 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #7 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #8 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #9 | Harry Amass Norwich City | 19 | U21 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14× |
| #10 | Milos Lukovic Preston North End | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14× |
| #11 | Samuel Iling-Junior West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.5M | 6.67× |
| #12 | Romain Esse Coventry City | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.5M | 6.67× |
| #13 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €700K | 6.43× |
| #14 | Ibrahim Osman Birmingham City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #15 | Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #16 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #17 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #18 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | 20 | U21 | €3.5M | €700K | 5.00× |
| #19 | Elias Jelert Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.5M | 4.67× |
| #20 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €700K | 4.29× |
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 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 Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke, who is 21 years old, with a +44% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Max Thompson of Ayr United 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 | Franciszek Franczak St. Johnstone FC | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #2 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 5 | €125K | €223K | +44% |
| #3 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21 | 5 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #4 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #5 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #6 | Dylan Watret Ayr United FC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €332K | +40% |
| #7 | Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | 19 | 7 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #8 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 19 | 7 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #9 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #10 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #11 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #12 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #13 | Harry Amass Norwich City | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #14 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #16 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #17 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #18 | Ishé Samuels-Smith Swansea City | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #19 | Andy Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #20 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
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 | Franciszek Franczak St. Johnstone FC | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Owen Stirton Airdrieonians FC | €179K | €154K-203K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €149K | €128K-169K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Harry Amass Norwich City | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Sindre Walle Egeli Ipswich Town | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | €5.4M | €4.6M-6.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Dylan Watret Ayr United FC | €238K | €205K-271K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Andy Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Henry Fieldson Queen's Park FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | David Ozoh Derby County | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Zak Lovelace Millwall FC | €573K | €494K-652K | +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)
Watford FC's Vivaldo Semedo in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +1.5%. That means Abdul Fatawu captures 82.0% of total market value while representing only 80.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is St. Johnstone FC's Adam Forrester with a +1.5% ASC (82.0% value share vs 80.6% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Djibril Soumaré of Sheffield United with a +1.5% ASC (82.0% value vs 80.6% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +1.5% ASC means the player captures 1.5% 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 | Vivaldo Semedo Watford FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #2 | Adam Forrester St. Johnstone FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #3 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #4 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #5 | Papa Amadou Diallo Norwich City | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #6 | Ibrahim Osman Birmingham City | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #7 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #8 | Karamoko Dembélé Queens Park Rangers | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #9 | Victor Kristiansen Leicester City | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #10 | Shea Kearney Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #11 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #12 | Jeremy Sarmiento Middlesbrough FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #13 | Tony Springett Norwich City | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #14 | Samuel Iling-Junior West Bromwich Albion | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #15 | Harvey Vale Queens Park Rangers | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #16 | Myles Peart-Harris Oxford United | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #17 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #18 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #19 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
| #20 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 21-23 | 82.0% | 80.6% | +1.5% |
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: 15 immediate targets, 124 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 €750K. 0 undervalued, 9 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | €18.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Papa Amadou Diallo Norwich City | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Jeremy Sarmiento Middlesbrough FC | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Samuel Edozie Southampton FC | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.0M | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Divin Mubama Stoke City | €6.0M | €1.2M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Louis Lloyd St. Johnstone FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Zak McKay Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €1.2M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Ethan Walker Ayr United FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Arron Lyall Greenock Morton FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Miller Thomson Ross County FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Josh Cooper Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |