Top 10 Ex-Top-Flight Player's in the English Football League

Top 10 Ex-Top-Flight Players in the English Football League

Making the switch between the Premier League and Championship is a common occurrence in English football and happens for a variety of reasons.

Whether it be a relegation, a player entering the twilight of their career and looking to wind down into a comfy retirement, or the harsh but common reason that a player just isn't good enough.

But who are the top Ex-Premier League players currently occupying a space in the EFL?

Well sit back, grab some popcorn (sweet or salty, we'll give you the choice), and enjoy this list of the top 10 Ex-top-flight players in the English Football League.

10. John Egan (Hull City)

Overlapping centre backs. You should know exactly why he's here from that alone.

Part of that streets won't forget Chris Wilder Sheffield United team that took the premier league by storm... before being spanked every week and relegated bottom the next season.

John Egan back to back goals? 3 points against the mighty Wolves? 7 points from 9? Sheffield fucking United #sufc pic.twitter.com/HU4y9tXksY

— Liam (@liamwwood) July 8, 2020

That was his only starring role stint in the Premier League, but boy was it memorable and almost for nostalgia's sake alone Egan has earnt a place on this list.

Hull City are his current club and, although his high intensity overlapping days are over, Egan is still remembered fondly for his Premier League heroics.

9. Calum Chambers (Cardiff City)

I had to try and branch out for the Championship somewhere for this list, and it must be said there wasn't a lot of choice outside of that... so Calum Chambers makes the list.

Chambers definitely showed more promise in his early career than he lived up to in the latter stages- in Premier League terms anyway.

On this day in 2024, Cardiff City completed the signing of Calum Chambers following his departure from Aston Villa. #CardiffCity pic.twitter.com/eBQBWsXJQl

— ccfcinsider (@ccfcinsiderr) July 14, 2025

Maybe I'm in the minority here, can't exactly say I'm too familiar with the world's consensus on Calum Chambers, but I always thought he was reasonably solid when he was at Arsenal... Villa, on the other hand, was certainly a time...

Now Chambers is at Cardiff and it's fair to say the feeling around his performances are, shall we say, mixed. Some decent games, some poor games- almost a summation of his entire football career to be fair.

Purely for his status as a League One player he is here... probably a bit lucky if we are being honest.

8. Demarai Gray (Birmingham City)

Demarai Gray was actually part of Leicester's title winning season in 2015/16, that isn't why he's in this list... but worth a mention nonetheless, no?

Gray spent most of his Premier League time at Leicester, with a couple of seasons at Everton also preceding his Saudi Arabian adventure in 23/24.

When Everton needed him most, Demarai Gray stepped up again 🙌pic.twitter.com/EKOEMPmTK3

— GOAL (@goal) December 7, 2021

In terms of quality, Gray was a bit of a maverick in the Premier League- sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe...well...not so good.

But when the Jamaican was on it, he was capable of brilliance at any moment.

Now at Birmingham, back where is all started, Gray will be looking to recapture his best form as Birmingham hope to continue their rise and secure a Premier League return come the end of the season.

7. Jack Stephens (Southampton)

Jack Stephens was always kind of just there. But he really was there... if that makes any sense.

Stephens was never the type to play every single game in a season, but whenever he did, he was very solid.

The best way I can describe him is 'It ain't much, but it's honest work'... okay maybe that's a bit of a harsh statement for a Premier League footballer.

Jack Stephens has been announced as the new Captain of #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/ptUA5DnQBw

— Martin Sanders (@FootballMartin_) August 11, 2023

Stephens spent his whole Premier League tenure on the South Coast, with one season at Bournemouth infiltrating his storied Southampton career.

At 31 Stephens is now a starter for Southampton in the Championship, and actually hasn't started the season too badly despite the clubs.

A deserved place on this list in my opinion.

6. Matt Targett (Middlesbrough)

After recovering from the trauma of being left in Korea during preseason by Newcastle, Matt Targett moved South, albeit only slightly, to Middlesbrough for this season.

Targett spent an entire decade plying his trade in England's top flight- In fact, his journey took him from the South coast, to the Midlands, to about as North as you can get- the ultimate English road trip.

EXCLUSIVE🚨 : Newcastle United have accidentally left defender Matt Targett in Seoul, South Korea. The club discovered he was not on board yesterday's return flight upon its arrival back into Newcastle.

The club has confirmed he is safe and will board a flight home later today. pic.twitter.com/3sFonDFjRw

— Francis (@FrancisChipp) August 5, 2025

Targett has started the season in fine form with a goals and an assist in the two games he has played so far, helping his new club to a top of the table start to the season.

One of those 7-out-of-10 every week type of players, or maybe 9-out-of-10 if his early form is anything to go by, you can't not like Matt Targett.

5. Jeffrey Schlupp (Norwich City)

I've always loved Jeffrey Schlupp, and I can't put my finger on exactly why.

His second name is used in one of the most iconic FPL names of all time for one, for two he had a long and very adept Premier League career... the latter obviously being the reason he's in this list.

Celtic’s Jeffrey Schlupp receives an FA Cup winners’ medal following Crystal Palace’s success at the weekend.

He made one appearance for the Eagles in the competition this season, playing the final 13 minutes of a 1-0 win over Stockport County in Round 3. pic.twitter.com/6PUbTKO5yW

— Josh McCafferty (@JoshMcCafferty7) May 19, 2025

Schlupp, similaraly to Demarai Gray, was involved in Leicester City's Premier League winning season- and was a very integral involvement at that.

The Ghanian can literally play anywhere. Left back, in midfield, on the wings, even in the 10- Schlupp was the definition of a utility man and I'm not talking about electricity or water supply.

Now at Norwich, Schlupp is in the twilight of his career.

But when he sits down with a nice cup of tea in the evening, or maybe Jollof rice if connecting with his Ghanaian heritage, he will no doubt look back on his time in the Premier League with pride.

4. Aaron Cresswell (Stoke City)

Cresswell only left the Premier League this summer, choosing his new club in Stoke City after seeing a man with their badge as a tattoo at the airport... a pretty unique reason to choose a club that's for sure.

Cresswell spent his entire time in the Premier League with West Ham United and was a mainstay in the team throughout his tenure.

Only right to bring this back in honour of his last 11 years. AARON CRESSWELL WEST HAM LEGEND. pic.twitter.com/oRfkqysOe4

— Thomas⚒ (@WhuThomas) May 9, 2025

Characterised by top quality deliveries into the box and consistent performances, Cresswell is no doubt fondly remembered by most Premier League fans... well, West Ham fans anyway.

It's fair to say Cresswell has started his stint in the Championship on top form, with his new side currently sitting 2nd in the league- he coud well be on for a Premier League return very soon is Stoke can keep up their start.

3. Moussa Sissoko (Watford)

He's magic, you know. You'll never get past Sissoko.

Moussa spent a good chunk of his career in the Premier League, his time spread across Newcastle and Spurs... with Newcastle being the main attraction of course

Sissoko was always a solid asset in the midfield area, and probably went under the radar for how good he was at times.

All hail Virgil Van Dijk who kept Sissoko on the outside and almost dared him to shoot.
The equivalent of giving an NBA big man the open three. A brilliant decision to which no stat can do justice, but one that is just VVD living up to all the Hype. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ILS6WhUevF

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 1, 2019

Having said that, despite his time at my own club, my most vivid memory of Sissoko is watching Van Dijk stand off him and essentially allow him to shoot in a 2 vs 1 with Heung Min Son... which he then inevitably spooned over the bar- in fact I think it may still be in orbit as we speak.

Now, Sissoko is at Watford, where at 36-year-old he regularly plays a full 90. In fact, Sissoko is captain of the Championship side, putting his Premier League experience to good use.

2. Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)

The Ayew brothers. Top quality streets won't forget candidates.

Unfortunately Andrew Ayew is currently a free agent (if there is any clubs reading this), so can't be included- leaving his brother to fly the flag for the family.

Ayew's Premier League journey started in 2015 with Aston Villa, before his best season at Swansea in 2017 saw him get a move to Premier League furniture Crystal Palace.

Since it's his birthday...

Here's all of Jordan Ayew's Premier League goals for Palace 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/BazHue3nMj

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 11, 2025

He then had a long, well respected career at Palace where he became one of those players you just expected to see in the Premier League.

Last season, after being a shining light in a very poor Leicester side, he was unfortunately relegated with the club, and now finds himself as the focal point of the Foxes' starting lineup as they aim to claw their way back.

No matter what league he is playing in though, Ayew will never be forgotten for his Premier League performances over the years.

Think yourself well and truly saluted, Ayew.

1. Ashley Young (Ipswich Town)

He may be 40 years old, but unc still got it.

Ashley Young was in the Premier League from 2006 to 2020, then again from 2021 to 2025 before moving to Ipswich.

Ashley Young appreciation post. He puts his body on the line, and uses every ounce of his experience to read the game. Right now I'd rather have him start every game over Cash - HE'S 37! pic.twitter.com/Gn4A4xe8Qk

— Jay (@JayVtid) January 13, 2023

Not only was he in the league for that long, but he was a mainstay in almost every season he appeared in- including the past two seasons at 38 and 39 years old for Everton.

Now at Ipswich Ashley Young has once again started the season as a mainstay... are you really surprised at this point?

If I'm still playing football at 40 years of age, even if it is just 6-a-side with the lads, I'd be happy- so to still be playing in the second division of English football is quite frankly outrageous longevity.

Take a bow Ashley Young.