The transfer window has been shut for a month, and clubs in League One are now sure to know if theirs was a success or not.
Some clubs won’t even consider a free agent, whereas others, such as Northampton, are still looking for talent. The Cobblers added Nesta Guinness-Walker to their ranks this week, bolstering their squad for the cold, dark months ahead. Other clubs are also struggling, and injuries are beginning to mount. Lincoln City has six players out, whereas Cambridge has lost key figures as well. Perhaps they’re eyeing new faces? Perhaps not.
However, some clubs are sure to be scouring the free agent market for a new face or two, so we’ve put together a list of four, all with some international experience, your club could still sign.
Gavin Whyte
Gavin Whyte, a winger, began his professional career with Crusaders in Northern Ireland. He made his debut in 2014 and quickly became a key player for the club, known for his pace and ability to score goals. During his time at Crusaders, Whyte won several domestic titles, including three NIFL Premiership titles. He also earned individual accolades, such as the Ulster Young Player of the Year award in 2017, and was the NIFL Player of the Year in 2018 after a standout season where he scored 23 goals.
In 2018, Whyte made the move to England, signing for Oxford United in League One. He continued to impress, scoring nine goals in his debut season. His performances caught the eye of Championship side Cardiff City, who signed him in 2019. Whyte impacted Cardiff, becoming a regular feature in their squad and contributing with important goals and assists.
After spending the 2020-21 season on loan with Hull City, where he helped the team secure promotion to the Championship, Whyte returned to Cardiff. In 2022, he rejoined Oxford United on loan, continuing to perform at a high level. He was released by his last club, Portsmouth, a month ago by mutual consent.
At the international level, Whyte has represented Northern Ireland since making his senior debut in 2018, quickly becoming a regular under manager Michael O’Neill. Known for his hard work, speed, and versatility, Whyte has earned over 30 caps for his country and remains an important player in their squad.
TJ Eyoma
TJ Eyoma, a versatile defender, began his footballing journey in the youth academy at Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his ability to play both as a right-back and centre-back, Eyoma progressed through the ranks at Spurs, signing his first professional contract with the club in 2018. He made his senior debut for Tottenham in January 2019 during an FA Cup match against Tranmere Rovers.
At the international level, Eyoma has represented England at various youth levels, including the U16, U17, U18, and U19 teams. He was part of the England squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, further showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Although first-team opportunities at Tottenham were limited, Eyoma gained valuable experience on loan. In January 2020, he joined Lincoln City on loan in League One. His initial loan was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Eyoma returned to Lincoln for the 2020-21 season, becoming a key figure in their backline. He made 52 appearances during that campaign, helping Lincoln reach the League One play-off final.
Impressed by his performances, Lincoln signed Eyoma on a permanent deal from Tottenham in the summer of 2021. Since then, he has established himself as an important player for the Imps, featuring regularly in their defensive line. Eyoma’s ability to play across multiple positions in defence made him a valuable asset for Lincoln. However, he was released at the end of last season and as yet, has not signed for anyone else.
Joe Morrell
This could be a risky one, as Morrell is currently out injured but is expected to be back by October if a club is willing to take a risk. He began his football career at Bristol City, joining their youth academy and eventually signing his first professional contract with the club in 2012. Although he made his senior debut for Bristol City in 2013, Morrell found regular first-team opportunities limited at Ashton Gate. As a result, he spent several loan spells at clubs such as Sutton United, Margate, and Cheltenham Town, gaining valuable experience in the lower leagues.
In 2019, Morrell joined Lincoln City on loan, where he became a key player during the 2019-20 season. His performances at Lincoln, where he made 29 appearances, caught the attention of Wales national team selectors, earning him his first senior cap for Wales in 2019. His tenacious midfield displays helped solidify his position as a regular for the national team.
In 2020, Morrell moved permanently to Luton Town in the Championship, although he found limited game time there. A year later, he signed for Portsmouth in League One, where he became an important figure in their midfield. Known for his work rate, passing ability, and occasional lapse in discipline, Morrell was a controversial figure on the South Coast.
On the international stage, Morrell has earned over 30 caps for Wales and was part of the squad for both the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His consistent performances for Wales have made him a key player for the national team, often playing a vital role in midfield with his defensive and ball-winning abilities.
Marcus Browne
Marcus Browne is an attacking midfielder and winger, began his football career at West Ham United, joining the club’s academy as a youngster. He progressed through the ranks and made his senior debut for the Hammers in 2016 during a Europa League qualifier against Astra Giurgiu. Although first-team opportunities were limited at West Ham, Browne gained valuable experience playing at youth level and in the Premier League 2.
In search of more regular playing time, Browne went out on loan to Wigan Athletic in 2017, where he made his Football League debut. The following season, he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Oxford United, where his pace and creativity caught people’s attention, contributing several goals and assists in League One.
In 2019, Browne joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal. However, after struggling to secure a regular place in the first team, he returned to Oxford United on loan in January 2020, where he once again impressed with his attacking versatility. Browne’s time at Middlesbrough was been hampered by injuries, and he eventually made a permanent move to Oxford. However, The U’s allowed him to leave upon promotion to the Championship, and he is currently without a club. He has shown flashes of his talent when fit, offering speed, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal from wide positions or behind the striker.
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