The Championship is not just the most demanding league in England, but maybe one of the most demanding leagues in world football. That makes it the perfect shopping centre for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
It has also proven to be a springboard for many successful Premier League careers in times gone by – James Maddison being a prime example.
So far, Tottenham’s early transfer business looks to be favouring players with Premier League mileage in Marco Senesi and Andy Robertson. Other reported targets too are for those that have top-flight experience in Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho.
But there is quality to be found in the EFL.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is the most profiled of these and his admirers, including in N17 if reports are to be believed. But who else is there that has what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League? We take a look at five names and explore how they could fit in at Roberto De Zerbi‘s Tottenham.
Shea Charles has what it takes to shine at Tottenham
Shea ‘Clutch’ Charles, as Southampton’s social media team crowned him, scored some big goals as the Saints surged towards the play-off spots and a Wembley final – including the one that got them there.
The spygate saga ultimately brought about their demise and saw them kicked out, meaning Charles’ route to the Premier League will now have to come about via a transfer.
There’s little doubting too that the Manchester City graduate has what it takes to make his mark in the top-flight. He’s got both the physical attributes and technical capabilities to shine, comfortable progressing the ball and resisting the press.
These are non-negotiables in a De Zerbi system. As the Italian looks to fully implement his philosophy this off-season, Charles has what it takes to grow into a key man in De Zerbi’s system. He brings quality now but has by no means hit his ceiling yet.
It’s his mentality too that is just as impressive, leading to Northern Ireland boss, Michael O’Neill, handing him the armband at just 21 for a Nations League clash in 2024. O’Neill himself is on record believing he can thrive in the top flight.
Jovon Makama is a frightening prospect
A season-ending injury in February may have spared Norwich City from losing Jovon Makama this summer, but the 22-year-old remains one to watch.
Arriving last summer from Lincoln, Makama outshined Josh Sargent as the Canaries turned from Championship struggles to play-off dark horses under Philippe Clement. He ended the season as Norwich’s top scorer and was on course for an Engoutshoneland U21 call-up too.
He has a fascinating profile. He’s physically dominant at 6’5, can bully centre backs and should they give him a yard, unleash a ferocious shot – as a December strike away at Preston showed.
There’s a versatility to him too. While he appears to be best centrally, he has played out wide for Norwich as well.
Where work is perhaps needed is in his first touch and link-up play. Strikers in a De Zerbi system need to be good at this, dropping deeper, making space for others and linking the play. So Makama is perhaps not one for the here and now.
However, should he pick up where he left off when the Championship season returns this August and continue to refine his game, the talk of a Premier League move will grow.
Callum Doyle could offer composure at the back for Tottenham
Left-footed centre-backs are a real luxury in modern-day football. That’s part of what makes Callum Doyle an intriguing prospect.
Leaving Manchester City after a series of loans last summer for Wrexham, Doyle is very impressive technically. He can step into midfield and break lines with a fantastic range of passing. He thrives in possession-heavy systems, just as De Zerbi’s would be.
There are question marks around his physical profile, though.
Competing against more powerful attackers, Doyle does fall short. His pace, or lack of, is perhaps why Manchester City cut ties. If it’s something that does get exposed in the Championship, it would only become more apparent in the top-flight.
However, in a back three there is reason to believe Doyle could thrive. Furthermore, with his technical abilities as good as they are, he could prove a calculated gamble.
Abdul Fatawu could bring chaos on the Tottenham wings
Wide players in a De Zerbi system have often proven to be the most potent weapons. The likes of Berardi and Boga at Sassuolo and Mitoma and March and Brighton being examples.
So, could Abdul Fatawu be another?
After Leicester suffered back-to-back relegations, the chances of Fatawu remaining at the club are surely close to zero. The pacy winger is still raw, but all the tools are there for him to become a top player, while maintaining the unpredictability that has often seen him shine for the Foxes.
In a system where the goal will be to stay wide, stretch the play and then cause chaos, Fatawu could fit the bill.
Jordan James provides energy and edge in midfield
Sticking with Leicester, Jordan James returned to Rennes after a season-long loan and the reported interested parties already showcase his pedigree.
Villareal are the latest to be touted with a move, while Atalanta are said to see him as a potential replacement for Ederson, who seems to be Manchester United bound.
There’s something about the EFL Young Player of the Season that feels a bit throwback. He’s box-to-box, breaking in late, looking to score goals. A last-gasp winner against Norwich at Carrow Road in November of last year is one such example.
While he would not quite be the deep-lying playmaker, dictating things that De Zerbi likes to call on in his teams, James could provide a partner.
He has the edge to do his defensive duties and would come to life once Spurs are attacking, providing another weapon with his well-timed runs into the danger zone.