Football Park’s EFL Transfer Roundup – The Biggest Headlines From The Championship Down

All of the pieces of the EFL puzzle are starting to take shape in preparation for another jam-packed season in the Football League come August.

Not only are the anticipated fixtures releasing on Thursday, giving us all a chance to finally pin down that long-awaited away day - but the transfer market is also in full force, with much more to come.

There have already been a few star surprises in the window so far, as we have seen players come and go. However, with over two months left, most of us are still keeping our eyes pealed for a few more marquee arrivals. On that note, lets take a look at some of the ongoing transfer rumours amongst the 72.

Blues To Land Attacking Double?

Birmingham City are really out looking to make a statement following last term’s record-breaking promotion from League One. Reports suggest that Chris Davies’ men could land a stunning reunion with a former player this summer – one that is of the name of Demarai Gray.

A return to where it all began? 👀

Still only 28, Gray brings bags of pace, experience at the highest level, and that touch of magic we remember from his breakout years at St Andrew’s.

Would you welcome Gray back in royal blue this summer, #BCFC fans?

Let us know your… pic.twitter.com/5MFPaZJldA

— Blues Focus (@BluesFocus) June 22, 2025

The winger was born and raised in the West Midlands, growing up through Birmingham City’s ranks since the age of 10 - until he left in 2016 for glory at Leicester City. Nine years on, Gray is 28 years of age and has won a Premier League, had two stints in the top tier, and has played in the Bundesliga and Saudi Pro League. The latter is where the Brummie finds himself today, with Al-Ettifaq.

The Jamaican international picked up 72 appearances in the three years he spent with Birmingham’s first team, as he also grabbed eight goals with the Blues – all whilst still being a teenager. However, the cost to bring the academy graduate back home would in now way be cheap, with an £8 million price tag labelled above his head. Though, we all know that Birmingham are no stranger to spending.

🚨Birmingham City are trying to sign Demarai Gray from Al-Ettifaq for £8m🤯🤑🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/WpZY2k9m9w

— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) June 6, 2025

The signings do not just stop there for the Blues; they are also heavily linked with Rennes striker Kyogo Furuhashi. The East Asian penned a deal worth £10 million to the French side back in January, however the transfer has not quite worked out the way he would have liked following his departure from Celtic.

In Scotland, Furuhashi showed pure excellence during his four-year stay, scoring a whopping 63 goals in 116 matches with the Celts. He is a player that could certainly bolster Birmingham’s attack; however, Rennes are hoping to get the £10 million back from what they paid on him - and at 30 years old, Furuhashi may just be a gamble for the Championship side.

(Kyogo Furuhashi Celtic and Rennes Stats: FotMob)

Tom Lawrence On The Move?

Any avid watcher of the English Football League knows all about the brilliance of Tom Lawrence. Although, with a chant that titles the midfielder ‘super,’ you would not expect anything less.

Despite growing up through the Manchester United academy system, it was Derby County where Lawrence found his feet. The Welshman made 170 appearances for the Rams in the five years he spent there, scoring on 36 occasions. Until he moved up to Glasgow to sign for Scottish mammoths Rangers, following Derby’s dreaded relegation to League One.

💙 @TomLawrence99: “I am delighted to have joined Rangers and I’m excited to get started." pic.twitter.com/CXpFwq3Bx5

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 8, 2022

Tom Lawrence’s time with the Gers can certainly be branded a success. However, as he is now a 31-year-old free agent, the Wales international is seeking a new challenge. Both Wrexham and Stockport have displayed their interest in the midfielder - Wrexham is especially one that could catch the eye of the free agent. This is because Lawrence was born in the Welsh city, and they have also just been promoted up to the Championship.

However, on Wrexham’s sharp journey to the top, they have also acquired a lot of competition around Lawrence’s position. Therefore, game time is no guarantee for the former Leicester man. On the other hand, Stockport is a club that is also on the rise and Lawrence could join them by being an anchor in their League One campaign next season.

Wrexham are being linked with Wales and former Rangers striker Tom Lawrence in the latest gossip 👀

The Wrexham-born forward is a free agent ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/PRi6HKXUKP

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) June 23, 2025

Saints Reject Major Bid

One thing that Southampton have made clear in this transfer window is that they are fully focussed on making their return to the Premier League a guarantee next term – even if that means rejecting big money for their assets.

Reports suggest that Southampton have recently rejected a hefty bid for winger Kamaldeen Sulemana. The bid is said to be worth around the £10 million, having come from Italian outfit Atalanta. This all occurred amidst other interest from clubs such as Ajax, Genoa and Torino.

Kamaldeen Sulemana has had a £10m bid from Ivan Juric's Atalanta rejected by #SaintsFC

His Stats: (24/25) 📈

Games: 26
Goals: 1 (xG: 1.5)
Assists: 1
Shots: 29 (oT: 8)
Successful Dribbles: 39 (41%)
Duels Won: 85 (39%)

Rating: 6.4 ❌

What's your price for Kamaldeen? 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/E5kRbc0gio

— Saints Statistics (@TheStatsSaint) June 19, 2025

Southampton paid upwards of £20 million for Sulemana and he has not quite proved his worth in the three seasons he has been down on the South Coast. He has only managed to pick up four goals in a Saints shirt, so there is no doubt that Southampton will want to push his transfer fee up should they let him go.

Lowe heading out again?

Stoke City wonder kid Nathan Lowe outshone League Two last season by topping the scoring charts prior to his recalling in January. The striker had scored 15 league goals by mid-January for Walsall last season, all at the age of just 19.

(Nathan Lowe League Two Stats 2024/25: FotMob)

Stoke brought the youngster’s services back, but finishing the campaign with very little game time, Lowe may want to explore other options for his future. The Potters are said to have valued Nathan Lowe in the £2.5 million region, which has appealed to many League One clubs.

The pick of the bunch being Huddersfield Town, who have expressed their willingness to match Stoke’s desired £2.5 million figure. However, it all comes down to whether Stoke would be happy to see such a prized youngster go for that fee. Also, the Potters may opt to give Lowe his deserved chance in the Championship next season.