Welcome to Done Deals Daily – the bulletin that speaks to every new signing for every team in every EFL league.
In 2024, we want to push the boundaries – no rumours, no clickbait. We want to bring meaningful coverage to the 72. And this is our attempt to cover the EFL January Transfer Window better than any other outlet.
You will receive an email every morning with each confirmed transfer from the previous 24 hours, and we'll go beyond the basics. NTT20.COM will provide context and detail on each player, plus analysis and opinion on what each signing might mean for the clubs involved… AND a rating of either LOVE IT, LIKE IT, or ON THE FENCE.
We’ve pulled together a great team to produce Done Deals Daily. Some days it will be free for all subscribers (like today), some days it will be for paid subscribers. But we won’t miss a single EFL transfer this January, and we’d love you to come along for the ride.
Arnór Sigurdsson (LW) [CSKA Moscow - Blackburn] Loan made permanent Undisclosed
Tough start to life at Rovers, missing first seven league games due to injury. In 13 league starts, he’s looked a smart, technical attacking player with intelligent movement. Only 24, with good pedigree — including a Champions League goal at the Bernabeu — this was a no-brainer.
RATING: LIKE IT
Billy Sharp (ST) [Unattached - Hull] Free
We didn’t expect Sharp to get a top-half Championship contract, but there’s some logic. Best case scenario is that Sharp is used sparingly, scores a handful of important goals off the bench, helps Hull to a Play-Off spot and provides ‘been-there-and-done-it’ nous, experience and leadership. And if he doesn’t… no big deal. Five non-penalty goals in 700 odd minutes in MLS suggests he can still finish chances.
RATING: ON THE FENCE
Luke Armstrong (ST) [Harrogate - Carlisle] Undisclosed
Ignore current season output - the botched Deadline Day Wrexham move created a situation that was bad for all parties. Armstrong is a hard-working target man who relishes the physical aspects of that role. Does he guarantee goals? No. But he will be a better focal point than they have currently. Armstrong alone is unlikely to turn Carlisle into a good attacking team, but considering the January market, we think it’s a solid signing.
RATING: LIKE IT
Wycombe
Richard Kone (ST) [Athletic Newham - Wycombe] - Free
The striker signs after an extended trial period, as well as having trials elsewhere, including West Ham U21s. According to Athletic Newham, he scored 100 goals in 108 games over three seasons. Kone will likely start in the B Team, but Anis Mehmeti also came in from Step 5 (six levels below League One), so The Chairboys will be hoping for a similar adaptation.
RATING: ON THE FENCE
Stockport
Ethan Bristow (LB) [Minnesota United - Stockport] Loan
We really, really like Bristow and expected him to sign for a L1 club, or even lower Championship clubs, in the summer. He is a serious athlete and solid if not spectacular on the ball. Potential for him to be a wide LCB in a 3atb system or LB in a four. With Ethan Pye, Ibo Touray, Ryan Rydel (injured) and now Ethan Bristow, Stockport have a brilliant group of left-footed defenders.
RATING: LOVE IT
Notts County
Scott Robertson (CM) [Fleetwood - Notts County] Free
Central midfield was a key position for Notts County in January, with Matty Palmer and Geraldo Bajrami out long term — they’ve moved quickly here. Twenty-two-year-old Robertson is a former Celtic academy product that’s been out of favour at Fleetwood. He is a lefty CM who is hard-working off the ball, and has suggested that Notts’ style will suit his technical style better.
RATING: LIKE IT
Walsall
Evan Weir (LB/CB) [Drogheda-Walsall. Loaned back to Drogheda for six months] Undisclosed
League of Ireland expert and NTT20 Squad member David Judge likes this one. A left-footed, ball-playing defender comfortable at LB and CB, 21-year-old Weir won Drogheda’s Young Player of the Year award last season. The Trivela Group — owners of Walsall — recently bought Drogheda, so this is a move which works for both parties: Weir will return to Drogheda for six months before heading to The Bescot in summer.
RATING: LIKE IT
Done Deals Daily is brought to you by Ali Maxwell, George Elek, Huw Davies, Dan Ghorbal, Craig Bradley and the NTT20 Squad hivemind — go well!
Genuinely very grateful for this. In times gone it was rare to be sure every deal was known. Then some sparky centre forward you always had a eye on turns up playing for the opposition!
As someone who endures Tranmere Rovers, can I opt out of the ‘love it’ concerning Ethan Bristow though! I’m sure you’ll understand! 😢
Good piece this chaps and looking forward to more of them over the transfer window!