January is here and player movement is already in full flow, with a number of EFL clubs bolstering their squads in search of success during the second half of the season.
Barnsley proved how a season can be turned around after the turn of the year last time around, when they climbed 15 places, from the relegation zone to the Play-Off contingent, to earn a spot in the Sky Bet Championship with a Wembley triumph.Read more: Revealed – statistics: EFL Christmas Day league positions
One of the signings made by the Tykes last January was the loan acquisition of Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United, which proved a vital move.
The 21-year-old, who now plays for West Ham United, netted in the EFL Trophy Final to help Barnsley to a 3-2 victory over Oxford United, before he scored the opening goal of the Play-Off Final at Wembley, as Paul Heckingbottom's side beat Millwall 3-1 to earn promotion.
So, who has started business early in the EFL this January? Here's a look at a handful of signings so far...
Marvin Sordell – Coventry City > Burton Albion
Stuart Beavon – Burton Albion > Coventry City
One of the first signings of January in the EFL was Burton Albion's acquisition of striker Marvin Sordell. He had scored seven times in 26 appearances for Coventry this term, and the deal saw Stuart Beavon and Callum Reilly (loan) move the other way.
The Sky Blues also secured the services of defender Nathan Clarke, and all three new boys were praised by City boss Russell Slade.
ICYMI: Russell Slade praised the impact of the three New Year's Day signings following yesterday's game https://t.co/UyQY30kToj#PUSBpic.twitter.com/zMSchfALMX
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) January 3, 2017
Martin Samuelsen – West Ham United > Peterborough United (loan)
Peterborough United boss Grant McCann was delighted to sign West Ham's Samuelsen on a loan deal until the end of the season. The youngster previously starred for the Posh when they were managed by Graham Westley, and impressed during his time at the ABAX Stadium.
“He is well loved by the players and the staff and of course the supporters,” McCann told theposh.com. “I am sure he will bring a lot more quality to us and we are looking forward to working with him again.”
Samir Carruthers – MK Dons > Sheffield United
Sheffield United have completed one of the stand-out signings of January so far, bringing in Samir Carruthers from MK Dons on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The former Aston Villa youth player has a Sky Bet League One promotion on his CV, moving up to the Championship with the Dons, and joins the Blades' promotion charge – Chris Wilder's men sit top of League One.
Read more: Sheffield United – Samir ready to get started
Alfie May – Hythe Town > Doncaster Rovers
EFL clubs often delve into non-league in search of a gem, and that's exactly what Doncaster have done this January, bringing in forward Alfie May from Hythe.
He has 22 goals so far this season for Kent-based Hythe, who play in the Ryman League Division One South, and joins the Sky Bet League Two leaders after a successful loan period.
“It is a big step, but I feel confident I can play in League Two and training every day will only improve me.”
Read more: Doncaster Rovers – May signs on
Jens Hegeler – Hertha Berlin > Bristol City
Bristol City have gone for experience with their first January signing, bringing in German midfielder Jens Hegeler from Hertha Berlin.
The 28-year-old, who can also play in defence, has more than 150 Bundesliga appearances under his belt and has previously played Champions League football for Bayer Leverkusen.
NEWS: Hegeler has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Ashton Gate to become the first January signing. https://t.co/DUC4dSnsBzpic.twitter.com/NljSnfx9Iw
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) January 4, 2017
Social media - #EFLTransfers
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