Thursday 13 November 2025 14:11, UK
Latest transfer activity, rumours and gossip across the EFL as clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two prepare for the January window. Confirmations, loan movements and scouting links are listed below; deals are subject to medicals and paperwork.
Championship
– Confirmed: Several free-agent and lower-league additions have been completed by mid-table clubs looking to strengthen depth. Expect more short-term contracts for experienced pros to be announced before January.
– Loans: Championship sides continue to scout Premier League academies for January loans, prioritising young centre-backs, defensive midfielders and versatile full-backs to cope with fixture congestion.
– Targets and links: Promoted clubs and those chasing the play-offs are being linked with proven EFL scorers and Championship veterans. Names circulated in media reports commonly include forwards with consistent 10+ goal seasons and creative midfielders on the fringes of top-flight squads.
– Contract situations: Several Championship players in the final 12 months of their deals are attracting interest; clubs are preparing either contract talks or contingency lists to avoid losing players on free transfers.
– Managerial influence: New or embattled managers are expected to push for January signings tailored to specific tactical needs — e.g., a pacey winger, a holding midfielder, or a commanding centre-back.
League One
– Confirmed: League One clubs are reinforcing squads with a mix of permanent signings and loan deals from higher divisions. Clubs with promotion ambitions are prioritising experienced forwards and set-piece specialists.
– Loans and development: Clubs continue to take young Premier League players on short-term loans to cover injuries and add technical quality. Those loans often include clauses for cup and league appearances.
– Rumours: Media links suggest several League One sides are interested in overlooked Championship fringe players and seasoned League Two scorers stepping up. Expect targeted moves rather than wholesale squad overhauls.
– Injuries and returns: Recovering players are being monitored closely; some clubs may delay moves in January until injury situations are clearer, focusing first on depth in defensive areas.
League Two
– Confirmed: League Two clubs are active in the free-agent market and making low-cost signings to boost squads. Clubs with tight budgets continue to rely on loans and swap deals.
– Loans: Loans from higher levels remain crucial for League Two sides, particularly for strikers and experienced full-backs who can make immediate impacts.
– Rumours and scouting: Clubs are scouting young players released by higher-tier academies and experienced EFL pros seeking regular football. Many links are early scouting reports rather than imminent transfers.
– Financial reality: Tight financial constraints mean many moves will be pay-as-you-play, short-term, or conditional on promotion/relegation clauses.
General themes and practicalities
– January focus: With the January window approaching, expect increased activity around players with expiring contracts, loans that can be extended, and targets available on reasonable fees. Clubs will prioritise quick, low-risk deals to address clear weaknesses.
– Wages and structure: Wage budgets remain central. Clubs are balancing immediate squad needs against longer-term financial sustainability; contract length and release clauses are key negotiation points.
– Medicals and paperwork: Any late-night January deals will be subject to medicals and EFL registration deadlines. International clearance can add delays for players arriving from abroad.
– Manager statements: Expect managers to publicly temper expectations ahead of the window while working behind the scenes to identify targets that fit style and budget.
Keep checking for updates — confirmed signings, official club statements and medical clearances will be added as clubs announce them. Deals reported by local and national outlets can change quickly and often depend on multiple parties agreeing terms.