A dramatic end to the January transfer window saw Sky Bet Championship clubs complete a flurry of major deals ahead of the decisive months of the season. From headline arrivals to long-term squad investments, here is a round-up of the most significant activity:

Sheffield United: Phillips headlines triple arrival

Sheffield United produced one of the biggest moves of deadline day by securing Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old England international brings experience of European football and a historic domestic Treble to Bramall Lane.

The Blades also reinforced their midfield and defence:

Joe Rothwell – signed from Rangers on an 18‑month deal
Leo Hjelde – joined on loan from Sunderland

Coventry City: Onyeka joins leaders

Championship leaders Coventry City added significant top-flight experience with the loan capture of Frank Onyeka from Brentford.
The deal becomes permanent if Coventry secure promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton: Canada star Larin arrives

Southampton strengthened their forward line with the loan signing of Cyle Larin from RCD Mallorca.
The 30-year-old Canada international says the club’s style “fits perfectly” with his strengths.

Derby County: Szmodics and Murkin bolster the Rams

Derby added two new faces:

Sammie Szmodics – loan from Ipswich
Derry Murkin – permanent signing from Utrecht

Szmodics reunites with John Eustace, while Murkin arrives after spells in the Netherlands and Germany.

Wrexham: Keillor‑Dunn and Cadamarteri sign long term

Wrexham completed two statement additions:

Davis Keillor‑Dunn – permanent signing from Barnsley
Bailey Cadamarteri – permanent signing from Sheffield Wednesday

Both players have agreed deals through to 2029.
Ryan Hardie departed on loan to Huddersfield.

Swansea City: Walta adds creativity

Swansea secured the loan signing of Leo Walta from Sirius, with the deal expected to become permanent on 1 July 2026.
The Finland international scored 16 league goals in Sweden last season.

Swansea also signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Joe Collins.

Stoke City: Wide reinforcements for promotion push

Stoke enjoyed a productive deadline day, adding:

Ato Ampah – permanent deal from Chelsea
Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi – loan from Crystal Palace

Both bring pace, dynamism and attacking threat.

Bristol City: Horvat and Eile arrive

Bristol City strengthened with two signings:

Tomi Horvat, 26 – permanent transfer from Sturm Graz
Noah Eile, 23 – permanent arrival from New York Red Bulls

Horvat joins with Austrian league and cup titles to his name, while Eile adds athleticism at the back.

Leicester City: Aribo adds experience

Leicester City secured the loan signing of Joe Aribo from Southampton.
The Nigeria midfielder brings European experience and depth for the Foxes’ promotion challenge.

Norwich City: Sam Field joins on loan

Norwich addressed midfield needs with the loan arrival of Sam Field from QPR, adding over 200 Championship appearances to a young squad.

West Bromwich Albion: Double attacking boost with Jimoh‑Aloba and Mustapha

West Bromwich Albion strengthened their squad with two exciting loan arrivals:

Jamaldeen Jimoh‑Aloba – loan from Aston Villa
Hindolo Mustapha – loan from Crystal Palace

Jimoh-Aloba, 19, returns to The Hawthorns after almost a decade in the club’s academy before joining Villa in 2023.
He made his Premier League debut in December and scored his first senior goal in the Europa League last week.

The forward said returning “felt like the number one place I wanted to come,” with strong emotional ties to the club.

Mustapha, also 19, arrives after a Young Player of the Season campaign at Palace and a loan spell with Nürnberg in Germany.
A Sierra Leone international, he describes himself as an attacker who “loves dribbling and creating chances”.

Albion sit 21st in the Championship, three points above the drop zone.

Oxford United: Emakhu adds pace up front

Oxford United completed the signing of Aidomo Emakhu from Millwall on a permanent deal.
Head coach Matt Bloomfield praised the 22-year-old’s pace and creativity.

Preston North End: Lang and Moran strengthen midfield and attack

Preston completed a club‑record deal for Callum Lang from Portsmouth, with the forward signing a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract.

They also added Andrew Moran from Brighton on a permanent deal, the 22‑year‑old joining after loan spells with Stoke, Blackburn and LAFC.

Midfielder Mads Frøkjær departed to Brøndby after 107 appearances for the Lilywhites.

Portsmouth: Triple deadline-day business

Pompey concluded three deals:

Jacob Brown – loan from Luton
Gustavo Caballero – loan from Santos
Madiodio Dia – permanent signing from FK Haugesund

Brown and Caballero reinforce the attack, while Dia strengthens the defensive unit.

Sky Bet Championship: January 2026 Transfer deadline day round-up

Sky Bet Championship: January 2026 Transfer deadline day round-up