These stars from Wolves, Fulham, Derby, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday could all perform in the league above if they were signed tomorrow.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates their second goal
The Championship has many admirers from afar due to its fierce, frenetic and unpredictable nature, and the ability levels of playing personnel has only increased.
While there are plenty more that could make an impression in the top flight, if these five were signed in the summer – or got promoted with their teams – they would all make an impact in the Premier League.
Tom Cairney – Fulham
Very possibly the best midfielder in the Championship, if Fulham don’t go up this season, they are going to have a real fight on their hands to keep Cairney at Craven Cottage. The 26-year-old is the complete midfielder, with an unerring ability to hold off two players with his strength and still find feet, and could comfortably perform in the top flight.
Helder Costa celebrates scoring the first goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Helder Costa – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Eyebrows were raised when Wolves spent a club record fee of £13 million to bring winger Helder Costa from Benfica to Molineux on a permanent basis following a hugely successful loan spell, as reported by BBC Sport, but going by his form this season, they may struggle to keep him. According to The Sun, Liverpool have already been rumoured to be monitoring his situation, and Wolves could be set for a club record sale.
Will Hughes – Derby County
Despite being linked with a move to the Premier League for years, no-one has tested Derby’s resolve for their midfield metronome. However, after successfully returning from a knee injury, Hughes has been in inspired form for the Rams, and has shown all the signs that he is now ready to finally make the step up, with Derby fans hoping it will be with his boyhood team.
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga scores their first goal
Britt Assombalonga – Nottingham Forest
The fact Assombalonga has nine goals in 21 league games for a Nottingham Forest side in a relegation battle is testament to his quality, as if he were in a better team where chances were more frequent, Assombalonga would comfortably be in the 20’s. Scoring goals is the hardest thing to do on a football pitch, yet Forest star Assombalonga would find the net frequently in the Premier League.
Fernando Forestieri – Sheffield Wednesday
All is forgiven from the start of the campaign, where it seemed as if Sheffield Wednesday’s Forestieri was refusing to play at Hillsborough, as he’s continued his scintillating form from last season and helped Wednesday get into the top six. While some Premier League teams may have reservations over his attitude after that episode, there is absolutely no denying his ability, which can be top drawer.
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