Championship clubs are more reliant on Premier League loans than ever before, and the upcoming season will see some huge teams rely heavily on superstar talents from the English top-flight.
Nottingham Forest can essentially pin their incredible promotion to the Premier League on Steve Cooper’s incredible use of the loan market, whilst Championship rivals Huddersfield Town were also incredible in which players they temporarily borrowed from the division above.
Indeed, this summer has already seen dozens of Premier League stars both old and young make the switch to the Championship, and with the season kicking off this weekend, we take a look at the best loan XI of players who made the drop down into the second-tier for the upcoming campaign.
GK – Zack Steffen, Manchester City to Middlesbrough
Perhaps the most expensive player to make the switch to the Championship this summer on loan, Zack Steffen made the surprise move to Middlesbrough with the Manchester City star eager to play regular minutes ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Whilst fans will remember his horrorshow performance in the FA Cup semi-final last season, Steffen could easily establish himself as the best goalkeeper in the Championship under Chris Wilder, and Boro could realistically fight for promotion with the American now between the sticks.
RB – Jamie Shackleton, Leeds United to Millwall
Jamie Shackleton was viewed by many in Marcelo Bielsa’s early days as Leeds United manager as a talent for the future, yet injuries and inconsistent form have not gone the 22-year-old’s way, with Jesse Marsch deciding to loan the versatile talent to Millwall.
Another Championship club who have used to loan market to full advantage, Millwall could be an excellent challenge for Shackleton, who is capable of playing at both right-back and in central midfield, a versatility that will make him a quick fan favourite at the Den.
CB – Rhys Williams, Liverpool to Blackpool
Choosing just two centre-backs for this XI was a challenge in of itself given how many quality talents Championship sides have brought in on loan from the Premier League, yet Liverpool’s Rhys Williams takes the first spot following his move to Blackpool.
Now managed by Michael Appleton, the former Lincoln City boss is no stranger to finding gems in the loan market, and Williams could be the 46-year-old coach’s first diamond in charge of Blackpool if the England youth international can remain fit.
CB – Auston Trusty, Arsenal to Birmingham City
Taking the second centre-back spot is Arsenal’s Auston Trusty, who will be tasked with next season with improving and manning one of the Championship’s worst defences last season, a goal the American could thrive in.
Another contender to travel with the United States to Qatar this November, Trusty has been a star in MLS with the Colorado Rapids over the past 18 months, and the athletic centre-back can show off his qualities in a big way next season if he can overturn Birmingham’s defensive fortunes.
LB – Ian Maatsen, Chelsea to Burnley
Chelsea’s academy is no stranger to sending their top talents on loan to the Championship, and after thriving with Coventry City last season, new Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has decided to bring Ian Maatsen back to the English second-tier.
One of two Premier League loanees the former Manchester City captain has brought in this summer, Maatsen could become a breakout star in the Championship this season just like his Chelsea academy teammate Levi Colwill achieved last year, and learning under Kompany will be a huge learning experience for the Dutch youngster.
RM – Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Aston Villa to Cardiff City
Aston Villa have arguably one of the most underrated youth academies in the Premier League, yet Cardiff City have taken notice and this summer moved to sign winger Jaden Philogene-Bidace on loan for the season.
Viewed as one of Villa’s top talents, Philogene-Bidace impressed on loan at Stoke City last season, with Steven Gerrard handing the attacker a new contract before heading out on loan to Cardiff for the year in a move that could be pivotal for the Bluebirds.
CM – Isaac Hayden, Newcastle United to Norwich City
One of two senior Newcastle United players to drop down to the Championship for the season, Norwich City have landed a coup of a signing this summer in Isaac Hayden as the Canaries look to return to the Premier League after finishing rock bottom in the division last season.
A defensive rock who is perfect for the Championship, Hayden has the potential to be one of the signings of the season in the second-tier if he flourishes at Carrow Road, and Dean Smith could have his promotion saviour already on his books in the former Arsenal star.
CM – Jeff Hendrick, Newcastle United to Reading
The second Newcastle United star to depart St. James Park for the season is Jeff Hendrick, who last season was loaned out in January to Championship side Queens Park Rangers, with the midfielder now finding himself at Reading.
Whilst the midfielder only made 15 appearances last season in all competitions, Hendrick has a chance to prove some doubters wrong with Reading, with the Republic of Ireland international set to become a free agent next summer from Newcastle.
LM – Tino Anjorin, Chelsea to Huddersfield Town
The second Chelsea academy graduate to make it onto this list, Tino Anjorin’s career in the past 12 months has been messy, to say the least, yet after impressing at Huddersfield Town last season on a short-term loan deal, the exciting attacking midfielder is back.
Whilst the Terriers are not tipped to return to the play-offs like they did last season, Anjorin could be a sensational signing for Danny Schofield’s side, who could somehow manage the impossible with the Chelsea talent on loan.
ST – Troy Parrott, Tottenham to Preston North End
Troy Parrott has been viewed for some time as the next striking phenom to come from Tottenham’s academy after Harry Kane, and despite some disappointing loan spells in the past, Preston North End could be the ideal fit for the Republic of Ireland international.
With Manchester United talent Alvaro Fernandez also joining on loan, Preston have used the loan market well this summer, and Parrott could become a star for the historic English side, who will be looking to shock the Championship this season with a high finish.
ST – Tyler Roberts, Leeds United to Queens Park Rangers
The second Leeds United player in this XI and the third overall to be loaned out to the Championship, Tyler Roberts is a talent who showed sparks of brilliance in the second-tier but never quite showed it in the Premier League, which is why this loan move is so exciting.
Queens Park Rangers have taken a unique approach in appointing former Gerrard’s former assistant Michael Beale as their new head coach, and with Roberts, the west London side could have a frighting attacker on their books if the Wales international can hit the ground running.
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