PRESTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Patrick Bamford of Leeds United celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on April 09, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)PRESTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Patrick Bamford of Leeds United celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on April 09, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
PRESTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Patrick Bamford of Leeds United celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on April 09, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Ranking the 13 most expensive Championship signings on their impact this season

While Championship is still a long way off matching the eye-watering spending that goes on in the Premier League, there’s still been a fair chunk of cash splashed in the English second tier – mostly by Stoke City and Middlesbrough, if we’re being honest. While spending big has paid off for some, it’s failed to produce the desired outcome for others, with several signings unable to live up to their lofty fees.
By richie.boon
Published 19th Apr 2019, 14:23 BST

Here’s our run-down of how this season’s 13 most expensive Championship signings have fared...

On paper, bringing in a Croatia international with World Cup experience would be a solid piece of business for any Championship side, but Kalinic has failed to deliver the goods since moving to the Midlands. The January signing has struggled to assert himself as the top goalkeeper at the club, and has started just seven games since joining Dean Smith's side. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

1. Lovre Kalinic: Aston Villa - £5.4m

On paper, bringing in a Croatia international with World Cup experience would be a solid piece of business for any Championship side, but Kalinic has failed to deliver the goods since moving to the Midlands. The January signing has struggled to assert himself as the top goalkeeper at the club, and has started just seven games since joining Dean Smith's side. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Photo: Marc Atkins

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The most expensive signing in the Championship this season, £13.5m man Joao Carvalho hasn't had the impact expected of him at the City ground. He's been frozen out of the starting line-up by Martin O'Neil, and may even be pondering a summer exit if he can't convince his manager of his clear potential. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

2. Joao Carvalho: Nottingham Forest - £13.5m

The most expensive signing in the Championship this season, £13.5m man Joao Carvalho hasn't had the impact expected of him at the City ground. He's been frozen out of the starting line-up by Martin O'Neil, and may even be pondering a summer exit if he can't convince his manager of his clear potential. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Burstow

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Afobe joined the Potters on a permanent deal from Wolves last summer, and has struggled to be the clinical frontman the fans have been crying out for. He's scored just eight goals all season, but is still rather tellingly his club's top scorer. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

3. Benik Afobe: Stoke City - £12.1m

Afobe joined the Potters on a permanent deal from Wolves last summer, and has struggled to be the clinical frontman the fans have been crying out for. He's scored just eight goals all season, but is still rather tellingly his club's top scorer. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk

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Like an over-excited player of Football Manager blessed with a sizeable budget, Stoke spent a tad rashly in the summer, bringing in a plethora of midfielders. Among them was £6.5m man Ryan Woods, whose initial loan spell was made permanent in January. The 25-year-old's lack of consistency has embodied his side's struggles, and has faced the wrath of the frustrated supporters on more than one occasion. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

4. STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Ryan Woods of Stoke City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Bristol City at Bet365 Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Like an over-excited player of Football Manager blessed with a sizeable budget, Stoke spent a tad rashly in the summer, bringing in a plethora of midfielders. Among them was £6.5m man Ryan Woods, whose initial loan spell was made permanent in January. The 25-year-old's lack of consistency has embodied his side's struggles, and has faced the wrath of the frustrated supporters on more than one occasion. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk

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After being out on loan to no less than seven during his time on Manchester United's books, West Bromwich Albion finally took a gamble on him, following a fine campaign with Villa last season. Unfortunately for the Baggies, they're yet to see much of a return on their purchase, with the goalie keeping just eight clean sheets this season. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

5. Sam Johnstone: West Bromwich Albion - £6.6m

After being out on loan to no less than seven during his time on Manchester United's books, West Bromwich Albion finally took a gamble on him, following a fine campaign with Villa last season. Unfortunately for the Baggies, they're yet to see much of a return on their purchase, with the goalie keeping just eight clean sheets this season. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster

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It's been a solid first season for the 23-year-old, who has adapted fairly well to the infamously combative Championship. Steve Bruce lauded the Nigeria international after his solid performance in the Owls' goalless draw at the bet365 Stadium last month, and he's looking a better player week on week. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

6. Oghenekaro Etobo: Stoke City - £6.4m

It's been a solid first season for the 23-year-old, who has adapted fairly well to the infamously combative Championship. Steve Bruce lauded the Nigeria international after his solid performance in the Owls' goalless draw at the bet365 Stadium last month, and he's looking a better player week on week. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk

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