With the lucrative Championship play-off final fast approaching at Wembley Stadium, and a place in the Premier League on the line in the richest game in football, it’s worth taking a look back at the players who have lit up the second tier of English football this season—none more so than the forwards.
As the play-off final market gains traction, where the Blades are the favourites in the Sheffield United vs Sunderland odds, we take a closer look at the standout forwards who have made the biggest impact—defining their team’s respective seasons.
Joel Piroe – Leeds United
Dutch striker Joel Piroe has made a name for himself as a Championship talisman since arriving at Swansea City from PSV in 2021.
The 25-year-old scored 41 times in 91 games for the Welsh side, earning a move to Leeds in August 2023 for a reported £10 million.
Piroe has scored 19 times in 46 appearances for the Yorkshire giants as they were promoted this campaign, securing the Golden Boot and putting himself in the shop window.
A potential move back to his homeland and boyhood club, PSV, could potentially be on the cards, while other English clubs might have their eyes on the Dutchman.
Borja Sainz – Norwich City
Now in his second season with Norwich City, Borja Sainz has proven his class at Carrow Road for the Canaries this season.
The Spaniard’s performances in his debut campaign after signing for free from Turkish side Giresunspor left a bit to be desired, but the same can’t be said about this year.
The 24-year-old scored 18 goals, the second most of any player behind Piroe, and put on four assists for his teammates.
However, Norwich have underperformed in the Championship betting odds, which could lead to Sainz’s departure this summer.
Josh Sargent – Norwich City
Another top player for the Canaries, Josh Sargent initially struggled in his first season in English football when Norwich were in the Premier League, but has found his feet in the second tier.
Regularly hitting double figures in terms of goals, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) forward has bagged a further 15 goals and five assists for the Norfolk side this term.
But, like Sainz, Sargent could be a wanted man in the off-season—with Premier League clubs believed to be willing to give him another chance to prove himself in the top flight.
With the US set to host the 2026 World Cup next summer, a big move for Sargent could help his chances of leading the line for Mauricio Pochettino’s side on home soil.
Daniel James – Leeds United
Like Sargent, Dan James perhaps didn’t adapt to Premier League football after a high-profile move from Swansea to Manchester United in 2019.
He wasn’t a massive hit at Elland Road initially either. After moving to Leeds for £25 million in 2021, and scoring just four times in his first season, he had a lacklustre loan at Fulham in 2022-23.
However, the Welsh winger has been at his brilliant best in the Championship for the Whites, scoring 12 times and providing nine assists to help Leeds claim automatic promotion.
Given his previous struggles in the Premier League, James has a big point to prove in the top flight next season.
