Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
As the summer transfer window progresses, a host of the best free agents are still available in the Championship, with many clubs eager to snap them up.
These players represent a unique opportunity for teams looking for value in the market, as their market value varies significantly depending on experience, potential, and recent performance.
From seasoned veterans like Jamie Vardy to promising youngsters like Stefan Bajic, the destinations for these players this summer remain a hot topic of discussion.
EFL Analysis has taken a look at the Championship’s latest free agents, their market value and where they could go, with statistics from transfermarkt.
Ryo Hatsuse
Market Value: £692,752
Former club: Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday fans were left saddened by Ryo Hatsuse’s departure, with the feeling that he wasn’t given much of a chance to show what he could do, having only joined in February 2025.
The Japanese full-back made six appearances for the Owls in the Championship during the 2024-25 season, starting five of those matches. The Star recently reported that Hatsuse could return to his former club, Vissel.
Stefan Bajic
Market Value: £692,752
Former club: Bristol City
Stefan Bajic was confirmed to leave Bristol City at the end of the season. Bajic joined Bristol City in July 2022 on a three-year deal.
His time at the club saw limited first-team action, making only two senior appearances in the EFL Cup.
He spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at French Ligue 2 side Valenciennes, seeking more playing time.
With him yet to find a new club, he could join a League One or Two side. This would allow him to develop further as a player and gain valuable game time.
Jamie Vardy
Market Value: £850,000
Former club: Leicester City
Soon after he left Leicester City in May after 13 years, it was rumoured that Vardy could end up at Sheffield Wednesday. Despite this, it is now July, and we’re no closer to knowing where the Foxes legend may end up.
He scored 200 goals for Leicester in 500 appearances, including breaking the record for scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games. He also won the FA Cup and the Premier League Golden Boot.
Tyrhys Dolan
Market Value: £5.95m
Former club: Blackburn Rovers
After Tyrhys Dolan’s best season at Blackburn Rovers, there were hopes he would stay in Lancashire and help push the team towards the top six in 2025/26.
However, he has now made his mind up and left the club. Bristol City have made an approach for Dolan, but there remains interest from Europe. Rovers boss Valerien Ismael has spoken out on the 23-year-old.
Ismaal told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: “No, he’s made it clear. At least his agent, made it clear that he’s going somewhere else.
“But at the moment, I don’t think that he’s going anywhere (doesn’t have a club yet).”
Rhian Brewster
Market Value: £2.98m
Former club: Sheffield United
After Sheffield United’s play-off defeat, the Blades are going back to the drawing board. One victim of this rebuild could be Rhian Brewster.
Brewster is attracting Premier League and Championship interest, according to EFL Analysis’ Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey.
Whilst Brewster’s exit at Sheffield United is not confirmed, Bailey explained that it is unlikely he will be offered new terms at the club.
Grady Diangana
Market Value: £2.98m
Former club: West Bromwich Albion
Things are going to change substantially at West Bromwich Albion with a new manager inbound — Ryan Mason is the favourite for that role.
The Baggies have cut ties with several players, including senior trio Grady Diangana, Semi Ajayi, and John Swift.
In terms of where Diangana could end up next, according to Africa Foot, he has received interest from Scottish side Rangers.
Angus Gunn
Market Value: £1.87m
Former club: Norwich
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn left Norwich this summer, with the Canaries quickly signing his replacement.
His dad, Bryan Gunn, a Norwich legend, recently told Sky Sports that his son is in demand.
“He’s had a few discussions with clubs already, with managers,” he said. “He’s probably just waiting for the right one to come along.
“He’s an international goalkeeper. He’s a free transfer. It’s a great opportunity for a club to pick up somebody like that and add them to the squad.”
Anfernee Dijksteel
Market Value: £1.02m
Former club: Middlesbrough
In May, it was revealed that Anfernee Dijksteel would be leaving Middlesbrough. He was the only player on a permanent contract to leave the senior team.
The 28-year-old has played 341 games for the Teessiders, having joined from Charlton in August 2019.
Back in April, FLW suggested that QPR and Millwall could make a move for Dijksteel this summer, but it remains to be seen where he will end up once the window shuts.