Monchi: EFL Championship is an ‘excellent place’ to discover talent

Espanyol sporting director Monchi believes Spanish clubs should be paying closer attention to England’s Championship, describing it as one of football’s “least understood” competitions and an increasingly attractive source of talent.

The former goalkeeper has returned to his native Spain after two years as president of football operations at Aston Villa, having previously held sporting director roles at Sevilla and Roma.

Barcelona-based Espanyol, who finished 11th in La Liga last season, are one of the oldest clubs in Spain, having been founded in 1900.

Monchi says seeking out talent in the English second tier is part of a broader strategy to tap into markets where Espanyol can compete, despite the financial restrictions imposed on Spanish clubs.

Espanyol have a connection to the Championship – as the club’s ownership group, led by Alan Pace, also owns Burnley.

“I think the Championship is one of the least understood competitions,” Monchi told BBC Sport.

“Having lived in England for two years and worked with Aston Villa, and now continuing to follow the competition because of Burnley, I can say that there are some very good players there.”

The 57-year-old Spaniard points to Morgan Rogers as one example of the talent who came through the Championship.

Rogers joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in 2024 after a spell in the second tier and went on to become an England international before completing a £117m move to Chelsea this summer.

“That is just one example, but I could give many more,” Monchi said.

“I think it is a competition with an extremely high level of competitiveness, very good coaches and intense demands. It is an excellent place to discover talent.”

Tyrhys Dolan joined Espanyol from Blackburn Rovers in July 2025 after five seasons in the Championship, while the Spanish club have now signed Netherlands international Quilindschy Hartman on loan from Burnley.