While the January transfer window has officially closed for Championship clubs, opportunities remain for teams to bolster their squads through the free agent market. Queens Park Rangers, Millwall, and Charlton Athletic, all London-based clubs with ambitions ranging from play-off pushes to avoiding relegation battles, could still make strategic signings despite the deadline passing.
Post-Deadline Day Opportunities for London Clubs
The closure of the transfer window doesn't signal the end of recruitment possibilities for Championship sides. Clubs can still register players who are currently without a club, presenting a valuable opportunity for managers Julien Stephan of QPR, Alex Neil of Millwall, and Nathan Jones of Charlton to address squad weaknesses or add depth. This late-stage market requires careful consideration, as these available players bring varying levels of experience, fitness, and potential impact.
Five Available Free Agents with Championship Pedigree
LondonWorld examines five unattached footballers with proven Championship experience who could offer tempting options for the capital's second-tier clubs. These players, with market values according to Transfermarkt, represent different profiles that might suit specific tactical needs.
Lucas Andersen - Market Value: £260,000
The 31-year-old Danish midfielder finds himself without a club after being released by QPR at the end of last season. During his eighteen months at Loftus Road, Andersen displayed flashes of technical brilliance but struggled with consistency, sometimes frustrating supporters. Despite receiving offers from Cypriot side Olympiakos Nicosia and several Saudi Arabian clubs last summer, he declined those opportunities, stating he wanted to wait for the right footballing move rather than playing just for the sake of it.
Onel Hernandez - Market Value: £345,000
With an impressive 210 Championship appearances to his name, the 33-year-old winger brings substantial experience to the table. Hernandez recently concluded a short-term deal with Charlton Athletic in January, making just six appearances before departing. His most successful period came during his seven-year stint at Norwich City, where he won the Championship title twice, in 2019 and 2021. Despite not featuring in matchday squads since late November, his proven track record in the division makes him an intriguing option.
Aaron Ramsey - Market Value: £430,000
The former Arsenal midfielder and Wales international remains unattached following his departure from Mexican club UNAM in October. Ramsey's brief spell in Mexico proved challenging, with the disappearance of his dog Halo affecting him personally, and he managed only six appearances. His previous Championship experience came during two seasons at Cardiff City, though last campaign was marred by a hamstring injury that limited him to just eight league appearances. With Wales squad considerations potentially motivating him, Ramsey represents a high-profile gamble for any Championship club.
Malcolm Ebiowei - Market Value: £860,000
At just 22 years old, Ebiowei represents the youngest option among available free agents. The forward has been without a club since leaving Blackpool in September, having joined them on a two-year deal just a month earlier. With academy backgrounds at Chelsea, Arsenal, and Rangers, he possesses 32 Championship appearances from spells at Derby County and Hull City, contributing one goal and two assists. His limited playing time this season—just three substitute appearances—suggests he might require time to regain match fitness.
Nathan Redmond - Market Value: £1 Million
The experienced winger recently departed struggling Sheffield Wednesday following a brief spell that yielded just 132 minutes across seven appearances. Redmond's time at Hillsborough was hampered by an early injury that prevented him from making any starts. With 276 Premier League appearances featuring 28 goals and 25 assists during his time at Norwich City and Southampton, the 31-year-old brings top-flight pedigree. His Championship experience and creative output could make him an attractive option for clubs seeking immediate impact.
Strategic Considerations for London Managers
Each of these free agents presents different opportunities and challenges for QPR, Millwall, and Charlton Athletic. Managers must weigh factors including:
- Current squad needs and tactical requirements
- Player fitness levels and match readiness
- Wage demands and financial implications
- Potential impact on team dynamics and dressing room
- Short-term versus long-term benefits
While the transfer window closure limits options, the free agent market allows for strategic additions that could prove crucial during the Championship's demanding run-in. These five players, with their varied experiences and skill sets, represent potential solutions for London clubs looking to strengthen their squads without paying transfer fees.
