Transfer Watch: EFL Championship
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Transfer Watch: EFL Championship

Each Championship Club’s Biggest Transfer Rumours

After the Club World Cup break, the summer transfer window officially reopens on the 16 June, and with less than a week to go, multiple second-tier clubs have already started their business. Football Park has rounded up the best selection of rumours from each team and put them all in one place for you to read, no hassle or effort required!

Brady Backed Birmingham Set to Make Waves

The Blues are expected to spend heavily, thanks to strong financial backing. Attempting to avoid another 13-year rut in the second division. According to Football Insider, Birmingham City are nearing a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper James Beadle, who has spent the last 18 months producing excellent performances for Sheffield Wednesday. The 21-year-old is a strong option for the level, and a young alternative to Ryan Allsop.

Birmingham are also interested in Kwame Poku, who is a free agent after leaving Peterborough United, where he was a standout star. Poku is regarded as a strong player for the Championship, but the Blues face interest from Celtic, Rangers and clubs from Germany and Spain.

7th Placed Rovers Look to Close the Gap

Blackburn are heading to Belgium for their first transfer move of the season. Het Nieuwsblad and Het Laatste Nieuws, two Belgian news outlets, have reported that Blackburn will sign Dion de Neve, a 23-year-old left-back who has become a starter in the top flight for recently relegated KV Kortrijk.

Valerian Ismael will want to push his side to reach the playoffs finally, with the club having finished in the top eight in three of their last four seasons, but never playing in the post-season promotion eliminator. However, work will have to be done first to keep hold of first-teamers Lewis Travis and Tyrese Dolan, who could be huge losses.

Manning-less Robins Swoop for Centre-Back

Bristol City’s first concern will be finding a replacement for Liam Manning, the head coach who took them to the playoffs and achieved their highest league finish since 2008. Rumours are already spreading, though, that the Robins are attempting to bring in American defender George Campbell. The centre half made his debut for the US national team this year, and could be tempted to jump ship with his current club, CF Montreal, struggling in the MLS.

Liam Henderson is another name linked to Bristol City. The former Celtic youngster has spent the last seven years picking up experience in Italy, playing for Hellas Verona and Empoli in Serie A. The midfielder is finally heading back to Britain, according to Football Insider, with the South West a potential destination.

Can Charlton Beat the Drop?

The Addicks will likely be one of the bookies' favourites to drop straight back down, and have already had a summer of ups and downs before it's really started. Tying Nathan Jones down to a new contract was a necessity, but losing Thierry Small to Preston North End is a loss they will have to replace.

Charlton have gone quiet since announcing their first signing of the window, Sonny Carey from Blackpool. The midfielder has experience at the second tier level, and while still only 24, will be looking to push his career on in SE7.

Lampard Identifies Targets Early

Coventry City seem to be on the brink of something huge, and that is reflected in their ambitious transfer moves. The targeted trio are Kaine Kesler-Hayden of Aston Villa, Emil Riis Jakobsen of Preston and Miguel Angel Brau of Granada.

Kesler-Hayden was Preston’s Player of the Year whilst on loan there in 2024/25 and is a dynamic right-wing-back. Angel Brau is a left-sided full-back who would be available for free, and at a young age, has plenty of potential.

Rams Eye Up Premier League CB

Craig Dawson will be leaving Wolves this month, and Derby County are apparently one of the sides interested. A realistic option for the 35-year-old, who is now in the final years of his career. Dawson is still capable of playing at a high level and would seriously bolster Derby’s defence.

John Eustace is also interested in reuniting with Cody Drameh, whom he worked with at Birmingham City, another defender who would provide great cover and is looking to leave Hull City. The final target of Derby’s right now is Kamil Conteh, who will be leaving Bristol Rovers after they faced relegation to League Two. The Sierra Leone international is a highly rated midfielder, attracting the attention of fellow Championship clubs Oxford and Millwall.

Jakirović Will Want to Start Life at Hull Fast

Hull City have found their new manager in the shape of Sergej Jakirović, whose last two clubs were Dinamo Zagreb and Kayserispor. With the biggest bit of business out of the way, the Tigers are one of the clubs linked with Oli McBurnie.

The Scotsman and proven Championship striker spent the last year in La Liga with Las Palmas, but will move back to the UK after the club succumbed to relegation. If Hull can fight off their transfer rivals for his signature, it would be massive.

Ipswich Hunt for Delap Replacement

The Tractor Boys will want to avoid suffering a similar fate as Luton Town did last season, and have already been linked with some big names to replace Chelsea-bound Liam Delap. Bringing in Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea would be a brilliant move, and one the Blues would be up for.

The La Masia graduate rarely featured in the Premier League in 2024/25, but scored six goals in seven games for Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League, including a stunning hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers. At just 19, Kieran McKenna could develop the Spaniard well. If the move doesn’t work out, then Ipswich have also been linked with Divin Mubama; the 20-year-old striker who could leave Manchester City in search of first team football.

All Eyes on the Foxes

Leicester City are falling closer to the title of a yo-yo club, a label that nobody would’ve expected them to have a few years ago when winning the FA Cup and qualifying for Europe were bigger concerns. However, big names are attached to the Foxes this summer, as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a rumoured target of theirs.

The midfielder is 31, and certainly has a few more years left in his locker. Besides the Ox, Leicester are also looking at Oliver Antman, a Finnish international winger who seems very popular amongst English clubs this summer, after a cup-winning season at Dutch club, Go Ahead Eagles.

A New Era at Boro

In light of Michael Carrick’s departure, Middlesbrough might not make any decisions on signings until a new coach is confirmed. That does not stop them from being linked with Bali Mumba, a player Middlesbrough looked at back in January. Now, with Plymouth relegated and Luke Ayling potentially on his way out, Mumba could be an excellent addition.

Other than that, things are pretty quiet over at the Teeside camp.

Millwall Look Across the Pond

The Den is not bustling with transfer rumours; Millwall instead are choosing to take their time with transfers this summer. However, sources close to the deal have revealed that Millwall are looking to recruit Alex Freeman from Orlando City.

Freeman is one of the biggest youth prospects in MLS right now, and has many other eyes on him in England and Italy. The right-back would follow in Daryl Dike’s footsteps by swapping Florida for the Championship.

So Long Sainz and Sargent

Norwich City might be losing Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent this summer, but with Liam Manning secured, they are already looking to build a new future. Angus Gunn has finally parted ways with Norwich, with Daniel Grimshaw his chosen replacement. Jacob Wright’s loan has been made permanent, and Harry Darling of Swansea has been targeted as a Manning interest.

The Canaries are not afraid to approach South American talent either. Eastern Daily Press has reported that Norwich are looking at Brazilian U20 international, Gustavo Prado. Prado would be following in the footsteps of Gabriel Sara, and we all know how successful that signing was.

Oxford United Will Spend to Stay

Gary Rowett has stated that the U's transfer budget will have to be increased if they are to remain competitive. Another club the bookies have as relegation favourites, Oxford have been quiet so far this window, but a lot more should be expected in the next month or two.

The biggest news - in true ‘scraping the barrel’ style - from the Yellows is the extension of legendary duo Sam Long and Simon Eastwood’s contracts.

Jamal Lowe Homecoming?

Jamal Lowe spent three happy seasons at Fratton Park between 2016 and 2019, winning the League Two title with Portsmouth, and racking up 26 goal contributions in his final season on the South Coast. Now at Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth have been described as ‘keen’ to re-sign the Jamaican international six years on from his departure.

It has also been revealed, by Football Insider, that Charlie Savage is a target of Pompey’s. Robbie Savage’s son has impressed multiple Championship clubs whilst at Reading in the third tier. A step up to the second level of the footballing pyramid is now on the cards for Savage, and Portsmouth is a rumoured destination.

Small steps for Preston North End

Thierry Small was confirmed as Paul Heckingbottom’s first signing of the summer, a move that shows how serious Preston are about finally beating the mid-table allegations that have haunted them for years.

Preston are also interested in Nottingham Forest outcast Lewis O’Brien, a top midfielder for the level, and Villa goalkeeper Filip Marschall. On top of the free agent signing of Jordan Thompson, not many Championship clubs can boast a better start to 2025/26 transfer business than the Lilywhites.

Kelman out Keilor-Dunn in

Despite Charlie Kelman’s 27-goal season on loan at Leyton Orient, QPR seem to have decided to cash in on the young talent instead of involving him in the first team. Davis Keilor-Dunn is QPR’s chosen striker target; the Barnsley man hit 20 goals in all competitions last campaign, and is approaching his peak years aged 27.

The R's are also looking to Germany for a new defensive option. Jamil Siebert of Fortuna Dusseldorf is a desired target, but would cost a fair fee. Serie A duo Bologna and Torino have also enquired on the centre half’s availability, highlighting how much of a coup this would be for QPR.

Sheffield United Nearing Dunne Deal

QPR are looking at new centre-back options due to the likely departure of Jimmy Dunne. The 27-year-old has decided to leave London with his contract up, and the Blades are a likely destination. Dunne featured in almost every game last season, and would be a great option for Chris Wilder.

Sheffield United will ultimately be disappointed that they weren’t able to bounce back to the Premier League at their first attempt (since their last relegation, anyway), and will need to select their signings carefully so that they don’t face a similar fate in 12 months time. According to the Sheffield Star, United are also interested in Ethan Galbraith, one of Leyton Orient’s standout talents over the last year. Galbraith was once part of Manchester United’s youth academy, and is a flexible player when it comes to his position on the pitch.

No Business for Banned Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday were placed under a transfer embargo last week due to late player wage payments. Their owner, Dejphon Chansiri, looks to be pulling the plug on financial investment, and with a potential three window transfer ban looming, the Owls could be in huge trouble.

Outgoings only on the blue side of Sheffield unfortunately, with nothing to report as of yet.

Who Will Will Still Sign First at Saints?

Joshua Quarshie would be the answer to the above question. Southampton have already made their first signing of the window in the shape of a young, 6”5, rapid centre back. Outgoings make up most of the news at Southampton right now, but many departures will lead to many replacements.

A right back is top of the priority list, with Kyle Walker-Peters leaving for sure, and Yukinari Sugawara likely following. Scotsman Max Johnston has been heavily linked for a few weeks; the 21-year-old has just won his second Austrian Bundesliga title and became a full Scotland international in March.

Stoke-Bound Sorba Sets Up Inspirational Window for the Potters

Sorba Thomas has been confirmed as Mark Robins' first signing as Stoke coach. Thomas has spent the last year in the French top flight with Nantes, and is a talent capable of tearing up the Championship like he did in 2021/22.

A name that has also popped up in transfer gossip surrounding Stoke is Regan Slater. Slater is currently at Hull, and played over 3,000 minutes in the Tigers' midfield last season. The versatile midfielder could become the Potters’ second signing of the summer, if Robins can convince the 25-year-old to sign.

Modric Working His Magic at Swans

Luka Modric’s backing of Swansea City has clearly had a positive effect, as the Welsh side have already made three signings before June has reached its midway point. Winger Zeidane Inoussa, from the Swedish side BK Hacken, and former Bolton star defender Ricardo Santos, look like great additions.

A romantic reunion with the aforementioned Oli McBurnie could also be on the cards as he returns to the UK. McBurnie scored 24 goals for the Swans back in the 2018/29 season. Furthermore, alongside Preston, Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien has been linked with a permanent stay in Wales, after a successful loan spell last season.

Watford Off the Blocks Early

It has been one of the best starts to a transfer window under Pozzo ownership at Watford, with three signings already confirmed. Nathan Baxter has been brought in to challenge Daniel Bachmann’s goalkeeper spot, and the highly rated Hector Kyprianou has been drafted into Watford's midfield. Both players were free agents after playing in the third tier last season for Bolton and Peterborough.

Watford are also in talks with Chelsea in an attempt to bring in Caleb Wiley for another loan spell at Vicarage Road. The USA international became a fan favourite during his four-month stint with the Hornets earlier this year.

Rumours Swirl Around Mason’s WBA

Recruiting Ryan Mason as the new head coach at the Hawthorns starts an exciting new chapter for the Baggies. West Bromwich Albion look likely to have a promotion-challenging season with names like Nat Phillips, Lawrence Shankland, and Gora Diouf all linked to the club.

Shankland has been prolific up in Scotland for years, but has never taken on the challenge of English football. Now aged 29, this could be the perfect opportunity. Diouf is a name many might not be familiar with, but the Senegalese central defender is one of the Swiss Super League’s top prospects, and has also caught the attention of Sheffield United.

Wrexham AFC: Kings of the Rumour Mill

Wrexham’s Hollywood connections means that they are subject to a multitiude of rumours. No deals have been done as of yet, but Danny Ward making the switch from Leicester looks extremely likely, with the Welsh international looking to become Wrexham’s No.1.

Premier League free agents is a recurring theme when it comes to Wrexham rumours. West Ham duo Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings arguably have unfinished business in the Premier League, let alone the Championship, and would take Phil Parkinson’s squad to the next level. As for Jamie Vardy, the ambitious attempt to sign the legendary forward looks to have been a step too far, although his decision of where to go next has not been confirmed as of yet.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
James McLeish

Writer

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