The summer transfer deadline has passed, but that does not necessarily mean Championship recruitment has finished, as free agents now come into their own.
Injuries, unsuccessful deadline-day negotiations and gaps left within senior squads can all force clubs to reconsider their options, particularly when they cannot sign contracted players again until January. Free agents can still join clubs outside the transfer window, provided they were unattached when it closed, although any addition must comply with the EFL’s registration requirements and the Championship’s 25-player squad limit.
Lincoln City appear unlikely to enter that market after completing an extensive summer rebuild and filling the obvious gaps within our squad. Other clubs may not have that luxury, with Blackburn Rovers among those who could still need reinforcements after failing to complete all their intended business before the deadline.
For teams seeking experience, depth or emergency cover without paying a transfer fee, there are still some intriguing names available, so we have selected ten free agents who could potentially interest Championship clubs.
Adam Webster
Last club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Adam Webster is a 31-year-old centre-back with extensive experience in both the Championship and Premier League. A product of Portsmouth’s academy, he made his senior debut for Pompey in 2012 and later gained further first-team experience during a loan spell with Aldershot Town. Moves to Ipswich Town and Bristol City established him at Championship level, with his performances during a single season at Ashton Gate earning him the club’s Player of the Year award and a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019. He went on to make more than 100 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls and also featured during their historic qualification for European football.
At his best, Webster is an assured defender who is comfortable receiving possession and progressing the ball from the back. His experience at the highest level would bring composure and leadership to a Championship defence, although his recent injury history represents the obvious complication. Webster suffered an ACL injury during his final period with Brighton and has been working his way back to full fitness, with Sheffield United reportedly deciding against pursuing their interest because of concerns over how quickly he could be ready to contribute. If he can demonstrate his fitness, however, he would offer considerable pedigree to an EFL club willing to give him the necessary time to get up to speed.
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