Bellingham, Gnonto and Gray - Top ten most valuable U21 Championship stars

The English Championship doesn’t receive the attention of the Premier League but it’s a brilliant environment for youngsters to develop and gain experience ahead of moves to the top-flight. Gareth Bale, John Stones, James Maddison, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are amongst the biggest names to earn moves to the English Premier League after impressing in the Championship and there’s a plethora of talented youngsters aiming to emulate those stars. Following on from the most recent English Championship market value update, we’ve analysed the top ten most valuable Under 21 players in the division.

Top ten most valuable U21 players in English Championship

Wilfried Gnonto, surprisingly, remained at Leeds United in the summer despite their relegation to the Championship. Capped 13 times by Italy, Gnoto handed in a transfer request amid interest from Everton but the Yorkshire side remained firm. The 20-year-old impressed for Leeds in the top-flight but he’s underwhelmed with just two goals in 17 appearances this season and Gnonto’s valuation has dropped by €2 million, but he remains the most valuable U21 player in the league.

Callum Doyle’s €15m valuation has remained due to the Leicester City defender missing the majority of the campaign through injury. The 20-year-old was an ever-present under Vincenzo Maresca, who knew the starlet from parent club, Manchester City. Doyle has already been capped by England U21s and he’s highly regarded by Pep Guardiola.

Archie Gray’s valuation soared by €8m in the latest update following his emergence at Leeds United. The 17 has been a revelation, starting 21 of 22 games in the league with Daniel Farke playing him predominantly at right-back. Gray’s preferred position is centre-midfield and Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a €40m move for the Leeds sensation.

Charlie Patino has been tipped for big things since debuting for Arsenal in December 2021. Now 20, Patino has embarked on his second loan spell after impressing at Blackpool previously. The technically gifted midfielder has contributed seven goal contributions in 17 games this season. 

Shea Charles joined Southampton from Manchester City for €12.25m in the summer and the 20-year-old is already a regular under Russell Martin. Charles has already amassed 8 caps for Northern Ireland and City inserted a buy-back option in the deal when allowing him to leave.  

Adam Wharton has enjoyed his breakthrough season at Blackburn Rovers with his value increasing by €6.5m to €10m. The English youth international has made 22 appearances for Blackburn and he’s attracted attention from a host of top-flight clubs with Tottenham registering the strongest interest. Wharton has displayed a maturity beyond his years and he’s destined to earn a big move across the next few windows.

Cesare Casadei shone at the U23 World Cup in summer, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boy awards with Italy. Chelsea decided it would be best for his development to embark on a loan spell with Leicester but he’s struggled to secure a starting berth recently and his valuation has dropped by €2m. The former Inter Milan youngster has only contributed one goal and one assist in 19 appearances and the midfielder will need to increase his productivity in 2024. 

Jobe Bellingham is already generating major interest as he looks to emulate the career path of brother, Jude. The Real Madrid star has showcased why he’s one of the best players in the world this season and the Spanish giants could reunite the brothers. Chelsea and Liverpool are also monitoring the 18-year-old after five goal contributions in 22 appearances since swapping Birmingham City for Sunderland.

Liam Delap has netted six goals in 23 appearances for on-loan at Hull City from Manchester City. The 20-year-old was prolific at youth level and he scored for Guardiola’s men against Bournemouth in the League Cup in 2020. 

Samuel Edozie is another product of Manchester City’s youth system and he joined Charles in moving to Southampton last summer in a permanent deal worth €8. Capable of playing on either wing, Edozie has provided five goal contributions in 15 games as the 20-year-old acclimatises well to the demands of senior football.