Picking up players from the Championship and taking them into the Premier League has worked for City before
The last time Leicester City were promoted to the Premier League, they took Leonardo Ulloa up with them.
The Argentinian striker had scored 14 goals for Brighton in the Championship that season, with the Seagulls inflicting two of City’s six defeats. Ulloa himself scored twice in a 4-1 win for Brighton at the King Power Stadium.
Having caught the eye, City broke their transfer record to sign Ulloa, bringing him in for £8m. It turned out to be superb business, with the striker’s 11 goals in the Premier League decisive in keeping City up.
Signing impressive Championship players doesn’t seem to fail that often. City brought in James Maddison from Norwich and he developed into their best player. Crystal Palace in particular have had joy signing players from the Championship in recent years, with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton all going on to star in the top flight.
Other clubs around City have that idea this summer. Tottenham have signed Archie Gray, Aston Villa have welcomed back Jaden Philogene, Southampton have picked up Nathan Wood and Ipswich have brought in Jacob Greaves.
If City wanted to get in on the act, who could they sign? Here are some stand-out Championship players who could yet get a Premier League move.
Gabriel Sara
Along with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Southampton’s play-off hero Adam Armstrong, Norwich attacking midfielder Gabriel Sara was one of just three players to reach double figures for goals and assists in the Championship last season. The other two are playing in the Premier League next term, and it feels like the 25-year-old Brazilian deserves his shot too.
Beyond the headline stats, Sara was the only player in the division to rank in the top 10 for key passes, passes into the final third and passes into the penalty area, while he has a decent set-piece delivery on him as well. With City needing an attacking midfielder, he could be worth a look.
Jack Clarke
Few players caused City defenders problems like Sunderland’s Jack Clarke did at the King Power Stadium last October. And they were far from the only back-line to have trouble with the winger.
Sammie Szmodics
It wouldn’t usually feel like a gamble to sign the Championship’s top scorer, but it does with Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics. A total of 27 non-penalty goals – eight more than any other player in the league – should have clubs scrambling to sign the attacking midfielder, but it’s perhaps the case that clubs are wary of his superb year being a one-off.
Hayden Hackney
City have been linked with Oliver Skipp, so if they’re looking for a Harry Winks-type midfielder to strengthen their ranks, then Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a fine choice. The England under-21 international is being tippe for the top.
Trai Hume
Depending on the formation Steve Cooper plays, and depending on whether Victor Kristiansen leaves, City may need a new full-back this summer. Among the best young options from the Championship is Sunderland’s Trai Hume.
