The 15 Most Exciting Wonderkids in the EFL Championship and League One (Ranked)

As the 2024-25 season nears its dramatic conclusion, both the Championship and League One continue to deliver unpredictable and exciting football. Promotion battles, relegation fights, and emerging young stars have defined a compelling campaign in the English Football League.

At the top of the Championship, Sheffield United, Leeds United and Burnley are locked in a tight race for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Meanwhile, the play-off positions remain hotly contested, showcasing why the EFL continues to capture the imagination of football fans.

In League One, Birmingham City have leveraged their financial strength to climb towards the Championship, having already secured automatic promotion. Meanwhile, clubs such as Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United face an uphill battle to escape the drop, as their rivals pick up crucial points.

Amidst the team narratives, several exciting young talents have emerged across both divisions. Here, EPLNews ranks the top 15 wonderkids currently lighting up the Championship and League One.

15. Max Cleworth – Wrexham AFC

Starting the list is Wrexham’s Max Cleworth. The 22-year-old defender has been part of the club since 2014 and has developed under Phil Parkinson’s guidance since his debut in 2021.

This season, he’s been vital to one of League One’s tightest defences, helping Wrexham concede only 30 goals in 38 matches. Should they gain promotion, Cleworth will be celebrating a third successive rise through the footballing tiers.

He’s not just been solid at the back — with seven goals in 34 appearances, he’s contributed significantly at both ends. His composure and intelligent defending justify his place among the top wonderkids.

14. Djeidi Gassama – Sheffield Wednesday

Djeidi Gassama has impressed at Hillsborough during the 2024-25 campaign. Though his tally of six goals in 35 games might not be eye-catching, his influence on Danny Röhl’s side has been immense.

The 21-year-old, signed from Paris Saint-Germain, needed a season to adapt to English football. Since the start of this term, he’s showcased his flair, averaging 2.20 successful dribbles and 3.25 fouls drawn per 90 minutes, according to FotMob.

A dynamic winger with elite dribbling skills, Gassama has the potential to flourish in top-flight football — perhaps not just in England, but across Europe.

13. Dennis Cirkin – Sunderland

Dennis Cirkin has been a regular presence at Sunderland, and despite his experience, the 22-year-old still qualifies as a wonderkid.

After an injury-ravaged 2023-24 season, he’s returned to top form this year. Operating at left-back, Cirkin has been outstanding in one-on-one situations, with impressive stats for tackles, interceptions and duels won.

He’s also contributed offensively, netting three goals and providing two assists. His performances have drawn interest from the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham and Leeds United.

12. Tom Fellows – West Bromwich Albion

Tom Fellows has truly broken through for West Brom this season. The 21-year-old winger leads the assist chart in the Championship, having registered 11 assists.

A technical and intelligent right-winger, Fellows’ creativity has fuelled West Brom’s push for promotion through the play-offs. As an England Under-21 international, he is clearly destined for greater things.

Should the Baggies fail to go up, there will be no shortage of interest in this talented wide man from higher divisions.

11. Louie Barry – Hull City (on loan from Aston Villa)

Louie Barry’s loan spell at Hull City has been hampered by injury, with a setback in February sidelining him until at least April. But his earlier performances for Stockport County were exceptional.

Across 24 matches in League One, Barry scored 16 goals and provided two assists. His ability to score from a range of positions made him a standout.

Hull City saw enough to bring him in on loan, and had he remained fit, he likely would have continued his impressive form. His return to action will be closely watched by Aston Villa fans hoping he can fulfil his potential.

10. Richard Kone – Wycombe Wanderers

Richard Kone has taken League One by storm. Signed by Wycombe from Athletic Newham in January 2024, the 21-year-old striker has been prolific.

With 18 goals in 33 league games and 25 in 63 overall, Kone has been central to Wycombe’s promotion push. Luton Town reportedly bid £7 million for his services during the last transfer window, a clear indicator of his growing reputation.

If he maintains his current form, a move to the Championship or even the Premier League seems inevitable.

9. Jay Stansfield – Birmingham City

Jay Stansfield’s move to Birmingham City for around £15 million was one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer and a record sum for any League One side.

So far, the 21-year-old has lived up to expectations, netting 20 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. His explosive rise mirrors Birmingham’s own push for Championship promotion.

With such momentum, Stansfield is expected to make an even greater impact in the Championship next season — and possibly beyond.

8. Ben Doak – Middlesbrough (on loan from Liverpool)

Ben Doak’s season has been disrupted by injury, but prior to January, he thrilled Middlesbrough fans.

On loan from Liverpool, the 19-year-old winger contributed seven assists and three goals in 24 matches. His dribbling ability and attacking flair caught the eye, and AFC Bournemouth have been linked with the youngster.

Though still raw, Doak possesses the talent to reach the highest levels, and his future remains bright.

7. Tyler Bindon – Reading (now with Nottingham Forest)

Tyler Bindon, the final League One player on this list, has already secured a move to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old defender has continued to impress while on loan at Reading.

Having been a consistent performer for the Royals over the past 18 months, Bindon has arguably been their standout player this season as they chase a play-off place.

His performances suggest he is more than capable of holding his own in the Premier League in the near future.

6. Chris Rigg – Sunderland

Sunderland’s 17-year-old star Chris Rigg has enjoyed a breakout season, earning a regular place in the starting line-up under Regis Le Bris.

He’s already made 29 league appearances, scored four goals, and won October’s Goal of the Month. Statistically, Rigg ranks highly for recoveries, duels won, and aerial duels among attacking midfielders.

While his end product still needs refining, his age and potential make him a truly exciting prospect for the future.

5. Ollie Arblaster – Sheffield United

Ollie Arblaster’s season was unfortunately cut short in November due to a ruptured ACL. However, prior to his injury, the 20-year-old midfielder had been one of Sheffield United’s best performers.

He averaged 2.03 chances created, 1.20 successful dribbles, and 68.7 touches per game, according to FotMob. His form provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the Blades.

Arblaster’s early-season impact demonstrated his top-level potential, and once recovered, he is sure to return stronger.

4. Wilfried Gnonto – Leeds United

Although Wilfried Gnonto hasn’t played as often this season, his reputation as a top talent remains intact. The 21-year-old is already an Italian international with over 180 senior appearances and more than 50 goal contributions across his career.

Despite limited game time under Daniel Farke, his ability is unquestionable, and he may yet prove pivotal in Leeds’ final push for promotion.

If Gnonto finds form consistently, he has the ability to be one of the most influential players in the league.

3. James Trafford – Burnley

James Trafford has bounced back superbly after a challenging 2023-24 season in the Premier League.

Burnley’s £15 million signing has established himself as the Championship’s top goalkeeper, keeping 26 clean sheets in 37 matches and preventing a league-high 11.4 goals.

His penalty saves — both against Sunderland — and a record-breaking run of 1,132 minutes without conceding have further underlined his class. Trafford’s return to form suggests a long and successful career at the highest level lies ahead.

2. Maxime Esteve – Burnley

Just ahead of Trafford is teammate Maxime Esteve, who has been equally instrumental in Burnley’s defensive dominance.

Signed from Montpellier, the French centre-back has played nearly every minute this season, showcasing composure, strength, and ball-playing ability. His left-footedness brings valuable balance to the back line, and he has attracted interest from AC Milan and West Ham.

Esteve’s future beyond this season looks set to be in a top European league — a testament to his consistent performances.

1. Jobe Bellingham – Sunderland

Topping the list is 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham, whose all-round game has made him one of the EFL’s standout midfielders.

A technically gifted and physically dominant player, Bellingham has scored four goals, provided three assists, won 208 duels, and completed 31 successful dribbles this season. His 43 chances created further highlight his creative edge.

The younger brother of Jude Bellingham, Jobe has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, and a Premier League move appears to be on the horizon.