The standout players that impressed in the Championship

• The 2023–24 EFL Championship season came to a close this past weekend as Southampton defeated Leeds United in the play-off final.
• We look at Championship players that performed well and impressed the top clubs in Europe.

The 2023–24 EFL Championship season came to a close this past weekend as Southampton defeated Leeds United in the play-off final to secure their spot in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season.

We look at Championship players that performed well and impressed the top clubs in Europe.

Morgan Whittaker – Plymouth

Morgan Whittaker. Photo/ BEIN SPORTS

Plymouth would be getting ready for a League One season without Morgan Whittaker. After Whittaker’s successful loan from Swansea last season, the Pilgrims smashed their transfer record to purchase the attacker for £1 million, believing he could produce in the second division despite his struggles in South Wales.

Prior to Swansea calling him back in January 2023, Whittaker had made 25 third-tier appearances for Plymouth last season, scoring nine goals and generating seven assists. Plymouth came back to sign Whittaker permanently after earning promotion, and they were rewarded for their confidence.

His league-best performance was essential to Plymouth’s survival chances as it kept them in the division. The Devonshire team, who Wayne Rooney will coach next season, will have to struggle to hold onto him.

Sammie Szmodics – Blackburn

Sammie Szmodics had the biggest goalscoring season of his career in 2023–24, exploding to earn the Championship Golden Boot. After a lackluster debut season at Ewood Park, the 28-year-old scored just five goals in the league, but he stormed to the top of the scoring chart this season with 33 goals in all competitions.

He made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in March and became the first Rovers player to achieve thirty goals in a season since Alan Shearer. The attacker, who might fetch up to £15 million, has been linked to West Ham, Everton, and Celtic. Turkish giants Galatasaray have also been cited as potential suitors.

Szmodics has reaffirmed his contentment at Blackburn, but he hinted that he would not be able to decline a Premier League opportunity.

Gabriel Sara – Norwich

Gabriel Sara. Photo/ Sky Sports

Gabriel Sara is a box-to-box midfield player who has been instrumental in leading Norwich to the playoffs, therefore the club is anticipating interest in him. Following his move from Sao Paolo in 2022–2023 Sara was awarded Norwich’s Player of the Season, and this season he has elevated his game even more.

In order to help the Canaries secure a spot in the Championship Team of the Season, the 24-year-old scored 13 goals and contributed 12 assists. Due to his excellent play, which has attracted interest from Roma and Crystal Palace, he was ranked third in the league for opportunities created, fourth for progressive passes, and second for shot-creating actions.

Creative and adaptable, Norwich will be sure to make a significant profit on their original £6 million investment from two years ago.

Jacob Greaves – Hull

Jacob Greaves. Photo/ Transfermrkt

Jacob Greaves has developed with Hull City since their return to the second division and transformation into a team that is vying for promotion, but it’s possible that his growth has surpassed that of his childhood team.

Greaves was a key player for Hull this season, helping them place second in the Championship for aerials won, sixth for clearances, and ninth for touches. Hull almost missed out on the play-offs.

The tall defender has drawn interest from recruiters in the top tier and may be the next Hull player to successfully transition to the Premier League, joining the ranks of Jarrod Bowen, Andy Robertson, and Harry Maguire.

Everton and West Ham, two teams that have a track record of finding second-tier talent, have been linked to the natural left-footer.

Crysencio Summerville – Leeds

Leeds appears to be the team that stands to lose the most from not being promoted, as vultures are swarming Elland Road. Before losing in the play-off final, Daniel Farke’s team only missed out on automatic promotion. Given their outstanding roster, several key players may leave this summer.

Crysencio Summerville, who has been connected to teams at the top of the Premier League standings, may be the most prominent of them. The Dutchman has gained the admiration of Liverpool, Newcastle, and Spurs following a genuine season of progress in the second division.

Summerville led the league in shots produced per ninety minutes, third in successful takeaways, fourth in opportunities created, and scored 19 goals and disheveled nine assists.