The transfer window has shut, slammed or otherwise. Teams have been left to pat themselves on the back, or in some cases, worry about what the future holds.
There are squads out there that look thin. Others may have seen the window shut happy, and immediately picked up a major injury, blowing all that preparation out of the water. Already, Kevin Nolan is talking free agents at Northampton, and while he’s one of the few doing it outwardly, recruitment teams up and down the country will be scouring those lists, hoping to find a gem buried in the dirt.
Are the gems out there? Can the free agent list bring joy to clubs? In 2017/18, Lincoln City snapped up free agent Neal Eardley and he went on to be huge. After the deadline? Cameron Stewart arrived and barely got his boots laced. It’s a minefield, but step carefully, and you might just find what you’re looking for.
Could it be one of these eight players?
Tom Glover
Tom Glover is an Australian goalkeeper with international caps who has spent recent years in the A-League and Championship. After time at Tottenham’s academy, he established himself back home with Melbourne City before a move to Middlesbrough.
Now unattached, he brings plenty of experience for a 27-year-old and is known for his quick reactions and vocal organisation at the back. Any EFL side in need of competition for the number one spot could see him as an appealing option.
Josh Ginnelly
Josh Ginnelly has made a career out of providing energy and pace from wide areas. He came through at Aston Villa before spells at Burnley, Walsall, and Preston, but really caught the eye during a successful time at Hearts. Swansea picked him up in 2023, yet after limited opportunities he’s back looking for a new club.
At 28, he offers plenty of EFL know-how, direct running, and an ability to play on either wing. He’s the kind of forward who can change a game from the bench.
Jack Vale
Jack Vale is one of those players who has long been tipped to make the step up but now needs a home where he can settle. A Wales youth international, he came through at Blackburn Rovers and had loans with Rochdale, Lincoln City, and Motherwell.
He’s shown glimpses of quality, with a turn of pace and eye for goal, but consistency has been harder to find. At 24, there’s still time for a League One or League Two side to unlock his potential.
Elliott Moore
Elliott Moore has been a mainstay in the Oxford United defence for several years, racking up more than 200 appearances and even captaining the side. Standing at 6ft 5in, he is a commanding presence who leads by example and dominates in the air.
After helping Oxford into the Championship, his future is now open as he seeks a fresh challenge. A proven leader and reliable centre-half, Moore would bring organisation and calmness to any back line in the EFL.
Malcolm Ebiowei
Malcolm Ebiowei is still just 21 but already has a fascinating CV. He spent time in the academies of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Rangers before breaking through at Derby County, which earned him a move to Crystal Palace. Loan spells at Hull City, Molenbeek, and Blackpool followed, giving him experience in both the Championship and abroad.
Quick and tricky, he’s comfortable on either wing and has also been capped at youth level by both England and the Netherlands. Clubs seeking flair and potential will take note, although his recent short spell with the Seasiders might fire up some anxiety.
Tariqe Fosu
Tariqe Fosu is a Ghanaian international with more than a decade of EFL experience. Comfortable on either flank or through the middle, he came through at Reading before enjoying strong spells with Oxford United and Brentford.
More recently he’s been at Rotherham and Northampton, adding creativity and versatility to their squads. At 29, he still has plenty to give and is known for his direct running and sharp delivery into the box. He could be a smart pick-up for clubs needing attacking depth.
Josh Onomah
Josh Onomah was once one of Tottenham Hotspur’s most highly rated youngsters, part of the England side that won both the U-17 Euros and the U-20 World Cup. His career since has taken him to Aston Villa, Fulham, Preston, and Blackpool, where flashes of his technical ability have been evident.
A powerful midfielder with a knack for driving forward from deep, Onomah is still only 28 and now on the lookout for a fresh start. He offers pedigree and experience in equal measure.
Josh Ruffels
Josh Ruffels has been a dependable figure at both Oxford United and Huddersfield Town, playing primarily at left-back but also capable of stepping into midfield. Over the years, he’s built a reputation as a reliable, hardworking professional who rarely lets his side down.
He has a good left foot, can deliver a decent cross, and is comfortable in possession. Now available as a free agent, Ruffels represents the type of experienced squad player that every EFL manager likes to have around.
