Five players relegated to League One that Championship clubs must target, including ‘brilliant’ forward

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Some stellar talent suffered demotion to the third tier last term, and as a result, the clubs making up the second tier next season must capitalise this summer.

Despite the trio of Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle, and Cardiff City suffering relegation, each of those teams possessed some impressive talent.

Unfortunately, the quality in those three sides could not help stem the tide of relegation, and they will not be part of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

As a result of the trio’s relegation to League One, transfer vultures have been circling for demoted scraps already within the summer transfer window, to bolster their respective squads for the upcoming second tier campaign.

With many targeted for an exit following the season’s conclusion, EFL Analysis has taken a look at the five players relegated to League One that Championship sides must now target.

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Five players relegated to League One that Championship clubs must target

Maksym Talovierov

Starting in the heart of defence, Plymouth Argyle centre-back Maksym Talovierov would be a sensible acquisition for the majority of second tier sides this summer.

The towering Ukrainian international was one of the shining lights in Argyle’s ill-fated season, making 11 Championship appearances since his £1.7m mid-season arrival from LASK and scoring in the FA Cup against Manchester City.

For instance, Millwall could replace Japhet Tanganga with Talovierov this summer if the Lions defender departs amid his links to the Bundesliga and Crystal Palace.

Talovierov’s robust defensive displays and physical prowess would only improve with a first full season in Championship football under his belt, and the 24-year-old could go on to cement himself as one of the second tier’s best central defenders if snapped up this summer.

Bali Mumba

Another Argyle defender that Championship clubs must be looking at this summer is former Sunderland youngster Bali Mumba.

The versatile defender is capable of operating well on both sides of the defence, as well as in further advanced midfield roles, given his quality in possession with both feet.

23-year-old Mumba notched three assists in 46 appearances for Plymouth last season, and was hailed as a “game changer” by departed boss Miron Muslic after shining against former club Norwich City.

Muslic said via the Pink Un: “I think Bali also did it very, very well as a game changer, against Watford.

“He’s used to playing this position. He played, I think, most of the games as a left wing back. He was brilliant.”

As a result of Boro’s need for wing-back reinforcements amid Rob Edwards’ imminent arrival, Mumba would be a perfect fit for Middlesbrough, as would the next League One star on our list.

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Alfie Doughty

Middlesbrough have appointed Edwards to replace Michael Carrick, and one of the Welshman’s former Luton stars would be a sentimental, yet sensible bit of transfer business for Boro.

As a result of Alfie Doughty’s technical prowess and goalscoring ability, Middlesbrough fans will be delighted if Edwards signs him this summer to spell a reunion on Teesside.

Since his Luton arrival in the summer of 2022, Doughty has scored six goals and notched 18 assists in 105 appearances from full-back, with ten goals and two of those assists coming in the Hatters’ 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

A top flight proven wing-back will be reluctant to feature in the third tier for Luton next season, and a Doughty move to Middlesbrough has been mooted, which would be a stellar acquisition for Boro.

Callum O’Dowda

In terms of Cardiff, one prominent player who has been linked with a departure is midfielder Callum O’Dowda.

O’Dowda notched five goal contributions in 42 appearances for Cardiff last season, with his versatility on the left flank catching the eye of second tier suitors.

The likes of Oxford United and Hull City are interested in the Bluebirds skipper, and Cardiff must avoid losing O’Dowda ahead of next season, given his importance to their promotion prospects.

His experience and proven goal contributions record in his 12 years across the EFL for Oxford, Bristol City, and at the Bluebirds would make the 30-year-old a solid purchase for an array of Championship clubs this summer.

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Mustapha Bundu

Back at Home Park, Plymouth are set to lose forward Mustapha Bundu this summer in the wake of their relegation, with the Sierra Leone international’s deal set to expire.

Former Argyle boss Muslic could impact his next move, with reported interest from England and Germany for the forward, who scored 11 goals and notched six assists in 42 appearances for Argyle last term.

28-year-old Bundu enjoyed his most productive Argyle spell, since his arrival from Anderlecht in 2023, under Muslic after firing six in his last ten Argyle games with Muslic at the helm.

Although Schalke are not named as the interested German party, it is clear why the Austrian head coach wants to reunite with Bundu, whom he labelled as “brilliant”.

Bundu’s physical profile, eye for goal, and versatility in forward areas are all key attributes that second tier transfer teams want when searching for a striker, and the imminently departing Argyle ace leaves a green mark next to all three metrics.