Updated market values for 647 players
Transfermarkt has updated the market values of 647 players in its latest Championship assessment this December. Impressively, the English second tier ranks as the sixth most valuable league globally, trailing only Europe’s elite five leagues. This division is teeming with talent as clubs compete for a coveted spot in the Premier League.
The standout performers in this update include Coventry City’s trio: Brandon Thomas-Asante, Victor Torp, and Bobby Thomas, alongside Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. As the league leaders, Coventry experienced the most significant increase in squad market value, while the relegated clubs—Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town—sustained the largest downgrades.
Hayden Hackney Crowned Championship MVP
A new MVP has emerged in the Championship: Middlesbrough and England U21 midfielder Hayden Hackney, whose market value surged by €5m to €25m, making him the most valuable player in the division by €5m. The 23-year-old nearly moved to Ipswich in the summer amid strong interest from Premier League clubs. He has been integral to Boro’s impressive start this season, prompting expectations of increased interest in him during the January transfer window.
Behind Hackney, five players share a market value of €20m. Norwegian sensation Sindre Walle Egeli, who was acquired by Ipswich for €20m in the summer, holds that value despite a challenging season for the club. Leicester’s standout performer has been winger Issahaku Fatawu, whose value increased by €2m to €20m. Meanwhile, Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ipswich full-back Leif Davis both saw their values drop by €2m to settle at €20m, whereas Norwich’s Josh Sargent retains his €20m evaluation. Finn Azaz from Southampton (€18m) and Coventry’s Milan van Ewijk (€16m) also feature among the top 10 MVPs.
Champions Coventry City: The Biggest Winners
Frank Lampard’s Coventry City has defied expectations this season, leading the Championship table by a considerable margin. Unsurprisingly, they recorded the highest increase in squad value, skyrocketing by €35.9m to a total of €143.8m, making them the fourth most valuable team in the league. Thomas-Asante has been pivotal, scoring ten goals to tie for the top scorer in the Championship, and has seen his value soar by €8m to €12m.
Four additional Coventry players made the top 10 for value increases: Midfielder Torp climbed by €7m to €12m, center-back Thomas rose by €6.5m to €10m, full-back van Ewijk increased by €4m to €16m, and defender Liam Kitching saw a €3m jump to €8m. Other notable winners include Hackney (€5m to €25m), Watford’s Imrân Louza (€4m to €10m), Birmingham’s Jay Stansfield (€3m to €18m), Stoke’s Sorba Thomas (€3m to €7m), and Hull City’s Ryan Giles (€2.5m to €7m).
Relegated Teams Experience Significant Losses
It’s no surprise that the three clubs with the most considerable decreases in squad market value are the teams relegated from the Premier League last May. Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester were expected to make an immediate return to the top flight, but all find themselves outside the playoff spots. Leicester saw their squad value drop by €6.5m, Southampton incurred a €6.3m loss, and Ipswich dropped by €6.1m. Despite their diminished values, these teams still rank as the most valuable in the division, though Coventry is closing in.
How Transfermarkt Market Values Are Determined
Transfermarkt calculates market values based on various factors, primarily influenced by the community discussions evaluating player values. It’s important to note that these market values should not be directly equated with transfer fees.
The goal is to estimate a player’s expected market value in a free market, considering individual transfer scenarios and situational factors. Transfermarkt does not rely on algorithms for these calculations (you can find a detailed definition of market values here).
