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The Championship has regularly served as a springboard for players to stake a claim in the Premier League. The past few seasons have seen many talented players earning big money moves to Europe's top clubs.
The likes of Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, James Maddison and Matty Cash have all made the leap to the Premier League and have looked at home. Meanwhile, Birmingham City teenage sensation Jude Bellingham and Reading full-back Omar Richards have been signed by German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively.
As we move onto the transfer window, here are five Championship stars who could earn a move to a bigger club with their performances this season.
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#5 Adam Armstrong
Although Adam Armstrong failed to propel Blackburn Rovers into the top 6, individually he has enjoyed a stellar campaign. With 28 goals and five assists to his name, he has been the leading source of goals for a somewhat struggling Blackburn side.
Combined with 17 goals in the previous season, Armstrong has cemented his place as one of the deadliest strikers in the Championship. His 28 goals this season are only behind top scorer Ivan Toney. That was enough to rate him as of Premier League caliber.
A former Newcastle academy prospect, Armstrong has been linked with Premier League moves to Southampton and Newcastle so far in the transfer mill. It is only a matter of time before he is snapped away from the Rovers.
#4 Harry Wilson
The talented Liverpool academy product Harry Wilson has had another stellar campaign on loan at mid-table side Cardiff City.
It can sometimes be frustrating to be an academy player at a top club and Harry Wilson is one of those frustrated players. So far, he has appeared in only two games for Jurgen Klopp's side. He has spent the majority of his time on loan to Championship clubs with only a season's experience in the Premier League.
Despite all the odds against him playing for Liverpool's first team, the Welshman has proved to be one of the best players in the Championship this season.
In 37 games, Wilson has produced seven goals, including one hat-trick and 11 assists. He ranked 3rd in the assist charts, only behind Emiliano Buendia and Michael Olise. Numbers like these could be invaluable for a club in the Premier League.
The set-piece specialist is 24-years-old and should now be looking for a permanent exit from Liverpool to pursue his career elsewhere. He is a proven player and could do well at a Premier League club.
#3 Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
Ismaila Sarr has continued from where he left off last season in the Premier League, just in the second tier this time around. However, there is no denying that Sarr once again proved to be one of the standout players in the Watford side.
Hailed as one of the top young talents in Europe, Sarr was snapped up by Watford from French outfit Rennes for a club-record transfer fee of £27 million. The Senegalese speed merchant put up some scintillating performances this season, helping Watford get back up in the Premier League.
Sarr lit up Vicarage Road in February against Liverpool, where he scored two goals and assisted Troy Deeney in the famous 3-0 drubbing of the newest EPL champions. The Senegalese ended Liverpool's 18-game unbeaten streak almost single-handedly.
The Watford Player of the Season will find himself playing in the Premier League next season. However, it is to be seen if that club will be Watford or a top side in the league.
#2 Michael Olise (Reading)
Michael Olise has risen to become one of the sought-after young stars of the Championship. The 19-year old midfielder has finished the season with 12 assists, second behind Emi Buendia, and has even chipped in with seven goals. These statistics ought to captivate suitors from the Premier League.
Olise is left-footed and versatile with the ability to play anywhere from midfield or the flanks. The youngster possesses a fine eye for a pass, is a good dribbler and can be put on set-piece duty as well.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City academy player has been on the radar of several top clubs in the top half of the Premier League, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leeds United. French champions Lille are also understood to be interested in the youngster.
#1 Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)
Emiliano Buendia has been the standout performer of the EFL Championship 2020-21 season with 31 direct goal contributions in 39 games.
Norwich City have immediately bounced back to the Premier League after getting relegated last season thanks to their excellent Argentine playmaker. Buendia has assisted a whopping 16 goals while finding the back of the net 15 times.
Buendia is a proven player at Premier League level. In the 2019-20 EPL, Buendia created more chances than any other player despite playing for one of the relegated teams.
Arsenal have been favorites to sign the Championship Player of the Season as they look to fill the void left by Mesut Ozil. The 24-year old is likely to leave Carrow Road next season.
