The 2025-26 EFL Championship season gets underway on Friday with several American players set to get back into the swing of club action.
Caleb Wiley, Haji Wright, and Aidan Morris headline the American contingent who are slated to be with their clubs for the upcoming campaign. Wiley made his return to the league via a season-long loan to Watford while Wright and Morris have remained with their clubs; Coventry City and Middlesbrough respectively.
Josh Sargent, who for now remains a Norwich City player, could very well be on the move before the summer transfer window ends. Should Sargent not depart Carrow Road this month, he would be one of the leading attacking threats in the division.
George Campbell became the newest American to make his move from MLS to England’s second-tier, joining West Bromwich Albion from CF Montreal. Campbell joins up with former MLS product Daryl Dike, who will begin the season on the Baggies’ injured list.
Damion Downs and Patrick Agyemang also were on the move this summer, earning new opportunities in their club careers.
Here is a look at the Americans Abroad contingent heading into the EFL Championship season:
Josh Sargent, Norwich City
Josh Sargent has begun August as a Norwich City player, but the question remains, will he be there by month’s end?
Sargent has been linked with multiple clubs this summer, including Leeds United, Burnley, and AS Roma. The Missouri native looked to be on the move to Bundesliga club Wolfsburg earlier in the summer, but rejected the chance to return to Germany.
If Sargent wants to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s fall plans, he might need a jump up in competition. However, Norwich City would hate to depart with Sargent’s services after already losing Borja Sainz to FC Porto.
Haji Wright, Coventry City
Haji Wright missed part of last season due to injury, but looks to be getting back to full fitness ahead of this month’s opener.
The 27-year-old has been fighting his way back from a summer Achilles’ injury that he suffered while on U.S. men’s national team duty at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Wright scored 12 goals for the Sky Blues last season, making it five-consecutive campaigns with double-digit goals tallied.
Frank Lampard’s squad reached the promotion playoffs last May before suffering elimination at the hands of Sunderland. The Sky Blues will be among the favorites in the top-six race again this season and having a healthy Wright should certainly boost their chances of getting there.
Aidan Morris, Middlesbrough
Moving to the EFL Championship can be a tough adjustment for most players but Aidan Morris was not one of them.
Morris became a regular starter for Middlesbrough last season, logging 37 appearances under Michael Carrick. Despite Boro’s best efforts, they missed out on promotion, subsequently parted ways with Carrick and hired former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards to the position.
The former Columbus Crew midfielder will remain a key player this season, but hopefully Edwards will keep him in his starting lineup.
George Campbell, West Bromwich Albion
A new face has entered the mix in the EFL Championship, American defender George Campbell.
Campbell made the move to West Bromwich Albion from CF Montreal, joining for a reported $2.2 transfer fee. After originally coming through the ranks at Atlanta United, Campbell was traded to CF Montreal in December 2022 and quickly became a key cog in the Canadian club’s backline.
The 24-year-old made his USMNT debut earlier this year and now has a new challenge abroad at the Hawthorns.
Caleb Wiley, Watford
Caleb Wiley is making the short trip back to Vicarage Road.
Wiley has rejoined Watford on a season-long loan from Premier League side Chelsea. The 20-year-old fullback made a positive impression for the Hornets last season, making 10 appearances down the final stretch.
With hopes of earning even more playing time, Wiley is back for his second spell as Watford aims to finish in the top half.
Damion Downs, Southampton
Southampton will seek an immediate bounce back to the Premier League and adding Damion Downs to the mix could prove important in that quest.
Downs made the move from German Bundesliga side Cologne to the English South Coast, becoming one of several signings in the Saints squad. The American forward scored double-digit goals last season (11) in what was his first season of consistent first-team minutes.
Despite leading Cologne to promotion, the 2025 USMNT debutant decided to make the move to Will Still’s squad. Downs will now aim to hit the ground running as Saints fight to avoid a lengthy stay in the Championship.
Daryl Dike, West Bromwich Albion
Daryl Dike has struggled with injuries during his time at West Brom and this summer sadly is no different.
Dike suffered a thigh injury during preseason camp, which will force him out of action through the September international break. The former Orlando City standout has made just 43 appearances during his three-and-a-half years abroad, scoring nine goals.
With Dike in the final season of his contract, it seems likely he will be departing the Hawthorns next June. However, a strong season and potential promotion could be what keeps Dike in England next year.
Patrick Agyemang, Derby County
Patrick Agyemang quickly became one of MLS’ consistent goalscoring threats which has led him to a new chapter abroad this year.
Agyemang joined Derby County in a permanent deal from Charlotte FC, becoming the newest American attacker in England’s second division. The USMNT forward was busy this summer, scoring two goals during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
However, Agyemang recently underwent hernia surgery, which could lead to a delay in his club debut at Pride Park Stadium. John Eustace will hope to have Agyemang back quickly, especially if the Rams want to start off the new campaign strong.
Out of all these dudes I’m thinking Downs is the single one with an EPL future. Sargent would already be there is teams wanted him. Wright just is not good enough. Ageymamg needs more Giroud attributes and unfortunately not seeing it. Wiley is young but typical Chelsea excess. Morris could move to top league but a mid table team
I don’t mean to be negative but EPL is top flight Considering the players that play forward on average you get four to five scoring chances. Even miserable EPL teams the forwards convert one every few games
I don’t see Sarge getting called up to the national team unless he moves to a better league and scores, or he has to be the leading scorer in the Champions League.
Weah to Marseille done deal (loan with forced buy) surprised it hasn’t been reported on. That’s big one.
He arrived in Marseille on Tuesday evening. Should be official on Wednesday.
Can’t wait to see Damion Downs and Patrick Agyemang in action and how they stack up against EFL Championship competition. The Championship is very physical so Downs and Agyemang will have to hit the weight room a little bit more seriously and work on that pace.
I’m more worried for Agyemang than Downs, as he has an uphill battle at Derby (and is already behind recovering from op) because the team already has speed upfront in Rhian Brewster and Dajaune Brown (…..and even Corey Blackett-Taylor who is more of a Left Winger) so his finishing ability will have to determine if he starts.
Derby isn’t going to spend nearly 7 million on Pat and not give him a full run. Eustace used a 3-5-2 when he turned their season around last year. I could see using Pat with one of the speedier guys playing off him. Brewster is trying to resurrect his career after a disappointing if not disastrous spell at Sheffield. Only 9g 4a over five seasons. Brown is an unproven youngster, just 2g in his first season although hurt for about half the year.
Lund to Cologne loan deal done.
Charlie Kelman at Charlton too.