Espanyol's sporting director Monchi has identified England's Championship as a hidden gem for uncovering football talent, according to BBC News.
The seasoned Spanish executive, known for his eye for undervalued players during a long career at Sevilla, believes the division doesn't get the recognition it deserves given the quality on show week to week. He argues clubs willing to look beyond the Premier League and into the Championship can find players capable of making an impact elsewhere.
Monchi also used the interview to set out his broader vision for Espanyol, stating his ambition is to guide the club back into the upper reaches of Spanish football after recent struggles. He didn't name specific targets from the Championship, but his comments suggest English football's second tier could become a recruitment focus as he rebuilds Espanyol's squad.
The remarks come as Monchi continues shaping his sporting project at the club, with his track record of scouting success likely to draw attention to how he applies that same model in England's competitive Championship landscape.