The gap in quality between the lower end of the Premier League and the top of the Championship seems to have closed in the last few years. A number of players have made the step up and impressed immediately, slowly removing the stigma which had attached itself to buying players from the second tier.
In their first season following Championship triumph, Leeds United were a perfect example of how it has become easier to make the step up. Kalvin Phillips, Bamford, Liam Cooper and Jack Harrison – whilst all impressive during the 2019/20 campaign – showed their quality in the top flight.
With Victor Orta’s transfer strategy not really paying off when recruiting across Europe, it might be wise to consider the English market this summer. While it is certainly important to pick and choose, going into the Championship may provide a low-risk option.
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An option that would come with even less risk, albeit with the prospect of less reward, would be to look at free agents in the second tier. There are four that we have picked out whose contracts are expiring who could feasibly make the step up.
Sam Johnstone – West Brom
The expiration of Sam Johnstone’s contract at West Brom is a decision that has been made by him rather than the club. There is no doubt that he is a high-quality goalkeeper and while he wouldn’t necessarily displace Illan Meslier, there was an interest at one stage for Leeds to sign another, more experienced shot stopper.
He will know that his chances of a return to the England squad will only be boosted by playing in the top flight after he missed out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for the June internationals. However, with it unlucky that he’d be number one ahead of Meslier, it’s unlikely he’d be interested in playing back up.
Jed Wallace – Millwall
It’s not yet confirmed that Jed Wallace will be leaving Millwall this summer as he is waiting until after his wedding to make a final decision. Although, should a team like Leeds make a proposal prior to that decision, he could be tempted into leaving.
The Whites were linked with the 28-year-old a few months ago in the knowledge that his contract was expiring so they may well return with a contract offer. He has admitted that he harbours ambitions of playing in the Premier League and, at his age, he may not have many more chances after this summer.
Malcolm Ebiowei – Derby County
Derby’s ongoing financial issues have made it hard for them to agree any deals with players whose contracts are expiring. One of them is highly-rated 18-year-old Malcolm Ebiowei who is already on the radar of several Premier League sides.
He made 16 appearances in the Championship in his breakthrough campaign for the Rams and would be the perfect profile of player to continue Orta’s youth development project. Unlike at clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham – teams he’s been linked with so far – he would likely get the chance of some first-team action at Elland Road.
Tom Lawrence – Derby County
The last player on this short list is another Derby player and, instead of a rising prospect, Tom Lawrence is a very established senior player. Like Wallace, he has been linked with Leeds in recent weeks and months and will surely be on the move with Wayne Rooney’s side set to play in League One next season.
He has never quite been able to make the grade at Premier League level but with 11 goals and five assists from midfield for Derby this season, it’s a case of now or never. He might be tempted by a lower risk move north of the border with Rangers and Celtic both said to be interested in a move for the 28-year-old among other top-flight clubs.
