The final days before the new season are bringing transfer complications, disciplinary uncertainty and plenty of unfinished business across the Championship.
Squads are still being shaped, managers are waiting on decisions, and several clubs are finding that their summer plans are proving far from straightforward.
Cardiff City Midfielder Joins MK Dons After Oxford United Deal Collapses
Former Cardiff City midfielder Ryan Wintle has joined MK Dons after a proposed move to Oxford United was reportedly scuppered by the U’s temporary transfer embargo.
Wintle had been close to joining Aaron Ramsey’s side before Oxford were prohibited from registering new players after failing to comply with the EFL’s Squad Cost Management Protocol regulations. The 29-year-old subsequently completed a move to newly promoted MK Dons, who will travel to Oxford on the opening day of the League One season.
He made 40 league appearances for Cardiff last season as the Bluebirds finished second and secured promotion to the Championship. His move elsewhere represents one of at least three deals believed to have fallen apart since Oxford were placed under restrictions.
Former Cheltenham Town winger Jordan Thomas had also been linked with a return to his hometown club after becoming a free agent, but he is now reportedly close to joining Doncaster Rovers. Former St Mirren striker Mikael Mandron is another player said to have agreed terms before the embargo was imposed, with Stevenage now thought to be pursuing a two-year deal.
Oxford did sign defender Frankie Kent before the restrictions were introduced, although he has not been registered and is expected to miss several months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The club have indicated that they expect to be in a stronger position to add players before the January transfer window, but the immediate impact has already been substantial. With three prospective arrivals heading elsewhere and Kent sidelined, Ramsey’s rebuilding plans have been severely disrupted before the competitive campaign has even started.
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