Done Deals Daily #4
Tune into every signing happening in the EFL with our January Transfer Window's Done Deals Daily.
Welcome to Done Deals Daily #4.
Yesterday was a day of mass managerial incomings. But we’ve got five transfer deals down on paper and pixel for you today, as we cover every transfer across the EFL. Let us know your thoughts on the ins and outs, and give us a shout if you think we’ve missed anybody.
Alex Matos (CM) - [Chelsea - Huddersfield] - Loan
A big show of faith from Chelsea, with 19-year-old Matos’ first loan in senior football seeing him dropped straight into the Championship. Fans believe he has earned it having redeveloped as a central midfielder after previously playing as a wide forward at youth level with Norwich. He is tenacious, hard-working and very bright in transition, all elements that suit Huddersfield down to the ground. Darren Moore had a great record with young loanees at Doncaster, and his role as a coach and motivator makes Huddersfield a brilliant place for Matos to develop. He certainly has the character and raw materials to succeed, and could be a difference maker for Town.
RATING: LOVE IT
Harrison Neal (CM) - [Sheffield United - Carlisle] - Undisclosed
Carlisle needed this one after Callum Guy picked up an ACL injury, and there’s a lot to like about Harrison Neal’s profile despite only picking up a handful for minutes for Stevenage this season. Neal was a stalwart of Sheffield United’s Academy sides, with over 100 appearances across the age groups, often leading the side as captain. He’s an adaptable midfield player, perhaps best in the quarterback role, taking it off the keeper and defenders, keeping it moving, and doing the simple things well while working hard out of possession. He enjoyed two good loan spells with Southend and then Barrow, and this could be a promising pick-up for the Blues.
RATING: LIKE IT
Sean Grehan (CB) - [Crystal Palace - Carlisle] - Loan
When it comes to loanees, there’s no doubt Carlisle fans are feeling slightly hard done by. None of their summer loans have truly hit the ground running. The feeling around young defender Sean Grehan, however, is more upbeat. Rated extremely highly by Palace, the Irishman can operate centrally or on the right, and is said to be a comfortable ball-playing defender. Alongside Sam Lavelle, it could be a CB pairing that gives Carlisle a better chance of getting out of the relegation places.
RATING: LIKE IT
Jed Steer (GK) - [Unattached - Peterborough] - Free
Posh’s need for GK cover has led them in the direction of Steer. A knee injury picked up in the 2-2 draw with Barnsley to regular stopper Nicholas Bilokapic is going to keep the Aussie on the sidelines. His understudy Fynn Talley came off the bench to replace him and went on to make his first league start in the New Year's Day away win at Derby, a match in which Peterborough failed to name a sub goalkeeper. Steer has been without a club since leaving Aston Villa where he holds cult hero status, mainly down to his Championship playoff semi-final penalty shootout heroics. A great personality in the dressing room and a good keeper too. If he’s there only to back up Talley, he’ll be a positive influence. And he won’t let Peterborough down on the pitch if called upon.
RATING : LIKE IT
Jay McGrath (CB) - [St. Patrick's Athletic - Doncaster] - Free
The influx of League of Ireland players making the switch to the EFL continues, as Doncaster announce the arrival of 20-year-old defender McGrath. Brought through at Mickleover under his father and former Burton Albion legend John McGrath, he made the switch to Coventry but failed to break into the first team there. A year later, he’s back in England after a mixed season at St Pat’s. He lost his place in the second half of the campaign, but his big stature and young age mean there is always room for improvement. A two-and-a-half-year deal suggests Donny are confident with the signing, but will he make an early impression?
RATING: ON THE FENCE
Emmanuel Adegboyega (CB) - [Norwich - Walsall] - Loan
With thanks to the marvellous insight of David Judge once again, this is one which Saddlers fans can get excited about. Adegboyega is another product of the Drogheda Academy, similar to a certain Freddie Draper. In fact, he was arguably their best player behind Draper in 2023, and was snapped up by Norwich as a result. Athleticism is a key attribute of his, with excellent ball recovery and speed. There are slight concerns about his ability on the ball, but with his rate of progression thus far, there’s every chance he hits the ground running.
RATING: LIKE IT
Done Deals Daily is brought to you by Ali Maxwell, George Elek, Huw Davies, Dan Ghorbal, Craig Bradley, David Judge and the NTT20 Squad hivemind — go well!