Just one day left. Indeed, teams are hoping to snag some early bargains when the January transfer market opens on—you guessed it—January 1. A frenzy of winter deals is anticipated.
Here are some of the top transfer stories from today’s EFL teams, along by commentary from our EFL 72 staff. Below, you may subscribe to the EFL 72 newsletter.
A four-way race for free agents emerges.
Matty Sorinola, a free agent, is expected to make waves in January. Stoke, Middlesbrough, Preston, and Southampton are all reportedly interested in the single wing-back, according to TeamTALK. The 22-year-old defender declined a new contract offer from MK Dons in order to join Union Saint-Gilloise in 2021; however, his contract has been dissolved, creating the possibility of his return to the United Kingdom.
EFL 72 states: Sorinola has Championship experience, having spent a year on loan at Swansea in 2022. As a free agent, any signing is likely to be a low-risk venture that could pay off well.
Rooney at Birmingham on very thin ice
Although Birmingham City signed the Manchester United and England icon as a big-name manager, Wayne Rooney has had a terrible season at St Andrew’s. As the ownership group of Tom Brady contemplates firing the former captain of the Three Lions, Rooney is getting closer to having the lowest victory percentage in the team’s history.
According to EFL 72, City is now winless in four games and three points above the relegation zone following Friday night’s draw with Bristol City. If Leeds is defeated on New Year’s Day, Rooney’s status might become unsustainable.
Leeds’s form is dismal, thus January worries arise.
Leeds lost 1-0 at West Brom on Friday night as they faltered further in their Premier League promotion campaign. Beren Cross, Leeds Live’s United journalist, notes that Leeds’ recent decline in form should make one reconsider a potentially quiet January. Their away form is concerning.
Cross writes: “There must be a desire to reassess the bases Leeds have and do not have covered, given January is the sole time to conduct any business and get houses in order before the final drive… A team that is just five points shy of a two-point-per-game average doesn’t need extensive surgery, but adding someone other than a left-back could be a wise choice. The Leeds team is too good to continue winning just one out of every five games, and their success will eventually return, but it seems too clear that this wobble occurred on the eve of the window.”
In light of this, talkSPORT claims that the team will challenge Southampton for David Brooks, a midfielder for Bournemouth.
With minutes hard to come by at the rising Cherries, Brooks would be a fine addition to any Championship team, even on loan, according to EFL 72. With a spot in Wales’ prospective Euro 2024 squad at stake, Brooks will want lots of playing time.
Sunderland is interested in National League player
Sunderland is in a strong position to make the Championship play-offs this year, but they might use a little more offensive punch after been outscored by 11 opponents thus far. Joshua Stokes, an Aldershot Town wonder who has scored 15 goals since the summer, is reportedly being watched by Sunderland, Norwich, Ipswich, Derby, Charlton, and AFC Wimbledon, to mention a few suitors. This information is based on TEAMtalk.
EFL states: “Stokes could be a cheap signing with an extremely high ceiling in the Black Cats want young talent on a budget,” but “National League to Championship is a huge step up.”
Stronger, faster, more skilled players are what Stoke wants.
Steven Schumacher is eager for January as Stoke City looks to make some moves, just like any ambitious manager. The Potters appear to be quite concerned with fitness, so any potential additions will probably need to be in top shape in order to contribute right away.
We have already called attention to a few areas and identified players we would want to add. Additionally, I wanted to offer everyone a chance to make a claim. There are clearly areas we would seek to strengthen in January, even if we haven’t seen a lot of them in training because we haven’t done a lot or had the opportunity to. That’s how I want our squad to play, so we need to get a little bit fitter and be able to play at a faster tempo and intensity.”
According to EFL 72, Stoke are just three points above the Championship drop zone, therefore they are in dire need of fresh players that can inject some energy. Though they haven’t lost in their last five games, the Potters’ four draws and one victory indicate that they may need to improve their offensive capabilities to win close games.
Explanation of the loan terms for Cardiff and West Brom
Always read the fine print when it comes to lending agreements. Karlan Grant has been playing brilliantly while on loan at Cardiff City, and West Brom is discovering that to their detriment. However, according to Wales Online, the Baggies do not have a recall clause in the contract. Grant seemed to be sticking put despite West Brom’s upper-level injury concerns; nevertheless, the story took a new turn when Grant was substituted out early in the Baggies’ Friday night victory over Leeds. After the match, Cardiff manager Erol Bulut expressed his pessimism by stating, “It’s a hamstring, maybe a rupture.” It appears unprofessional. As soon as he gets the scan, we will know more.
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