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Kicks off this Friday
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The Championship is one of the most entertaining leagues in world football. The outcome is usually nigh on impossible to predict. It is also the sixth most valuable division in the world ahead of the likes of Liga Portugal and the Eredivisie. The English second-flight offers a great platform for players to showcase their ability to Premier League clubs. This Friday, the Championship returns, with promoted Birmingham facing relegated Ipswich in the season's curtain raiser. Ahead of the new campaign, here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out 10 players to watch in the Championship this term.
10 players to watch in the Championship this season
Finn Azaz - Middlesbrough
Last season, Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz was one of the most creative forces in the Championship. The Irishman scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists - one of only two players to reach double figures for both stats in the division. At 24 years of age, Azaz is entering his prime, and if Boro manage to hang on to his services, which is looking hopeful at present, he could be in for another fruitful campaign. He has a current market value of €16 million.
Gustavo Hamer - Sheffield United
On May 24, Gustavo Hamer was extremely unlucky to be on the losing side in the play-off final. He single-handedly made the goal that put Sheffield United ahead and was by far the best player on the pitch, but was forced off injured in the second half which sparked a Sunderland comeback. He scored nine goals and provided seven assists from midfield last term, and is without doubt one of the highest quality players in the Championship. The 28-year-old is currently worth €16m.
Mathias Kvistgaarden - Norwich
The first new signing on the list, and Norwich fans should be very excited about the arrival of Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden. The 23-year-old scored 23 goals in 38 games for Brondby last season and boasts a market value of €15m, despite the Canaries striking a deal for just €8m to bring him to Carrow Road. With Borja Sainz departed and Josh Sargent expected to follow, Kvistgaarden could become the main bagsman up front for Norwich this season.
Jack Clarke - Ipswich
Last season, Jack Clarke probably wasn't quite ready for the Premier League. He did however show glimpses of his quality, and this season the 24-year-old could be set to really highlight his worth in the Championship for Ipswich. He has looked bright in pre-season, and with some other stars moving on or having their futures up in the air, Clarke could be ready to shine. He has a current market value of €15m.
Jack Rudoni - Coventry
Jack Rudoni was one of the breakthrough stars of last season's Championship, really beginning to thrive under the management of Frank Lampard. The Coventry midfielder finished the campaign with nine goals and 12 assists in the league, and scored important goals including in the play-off semi-final against Sunderland. The 24-year-old has a current market value of €12m and could be set for another big season.
Issahaku Fatawu - Leicester
As Leicester beat Fiorentina 2-0 in their latest pre-season bout, Isshaku Fatawu quite literally left the stadium speechless after scoring an insane solo goal. His pace, ability to beat players, and finishing was there for all to see. The 21-year-old was signed from Sporting last summer, but only played 577 minutes for Leicester in the Premier League last season. This campaign the Ghanian could be set to truly announce himself in English football. His market value currently stands at €11m.
Jay Stansfield - Birmingham
Jay Stansfield became the League One record signing by some distance when Birmingham splashed out €17.6m for his services last summer. He has already gone some way to justifying that figure, scoring 19 League One goals, as the Blues were promoted. The 22-year-old also led the line for England U21 in this summer's European Championship triumph. He has a current market value of €11m, but that value looks sure to rise if he can continue his trajectory in the Championship.
Anis Mehmeti - Bristol City
Bristol City managed to squeeze into the Championship play-offs last season, but were ultimately smashed by Sheffield United. Nonetheless, one of the key factors behind their surprise push for promotion was Albanian winger Anis Mehmeti. The 24-year-old scored 12 goals from the left-wing and really began to look at home in the Championship. With that experience behind him, Mehmeti could be set to thrive again in the English second-flight. He is currently worth €7m.
Joshua Quarshie - Southampton
One of Southampton's most astute pieces of business this summer could end up being the €3.5m signing of defender Joshua Quarshie from German outfit Hoffenheim. The 21-year-old has been a regular for Germany's youth ranks, and has featured regularly for the Saints in pre-season. Should he nail a starting birth in Will Still's team, his market value of €3m will surely be set to rise heavily in the future.
Callum Lang - Portsmouth
Last season, as Portsmouth demolished Coventry, Callum Lang found the net four times. The attacker managed 10 league goals in 32 games before an injury ended his campaign early. For a team in the midst of a relegation battle, his tenaciousness and ability on the ball had him a level above. Reports suggest that Pompey have rejected bids for the 26-year-old this summer, and if they can keep him at Fratton Park, he could be set to have a big season on the south-coast.
