EFL 2023/24: Four fascinating free agents clubs should have on their January transfer radar – scout report

The January transfer window is fast approaching, with clubs up and down the country looking for cost-effective ways to bolster their squads for the second portion of the season. When it comes to EFL clubs, there is sometimes a smaller talent pool available as other clubs are reluctant to let players go in the middle of the season if they dont have a replacement lined up. This is where free transfers can be highly effective, as they are much better for clubs financially.

Sure, clubs can and do sign free-agent players outside of the transfer window, but the likelihood of this happening increases in January as clubs have strategically planned where they need to strengthen. This scout report will highlight four players who have recently been released by Premier League and Championship clubs, with the tactical analysis looking at what EFL team(s) they could be an option for due to their technical strengths and ability to fit the teams tactics.

Hélder Costa

Hélder Costa is probably the most high-profile player on this list, yet he could also be the biggest gamble should a return to England be on the cards. His first taste of English football came in 2016 when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, a Championship club at the time – an initial loan spell that led to a permanent transfer worth £13m. Costa helped Wolves return to the Premier League in 17/18 with 11 G/A that season.

Fast forward two (and a bit) years, and the winger makes the switch to Leeds United, who were also a Championship club at the time. A similar cycle unfolded as Costa contributed 10 G/A to help Leeds gain promotion to the top flight – the Yorkshire club then paid £14.8m for his services on a permanent basis. For one reason or another, things simply went downhill from there, with the now 29-year-old spending the 2022/23 campaign out on loan in the Saudi Pro League.

His data, in comparison to other players in his position in a league of a similar level, paints the picture of an individual who offers a contribution for sure but needs a bit of luck and the right break to get back to his best again. Not only does he rank above average for certain passing metrics, but he also has a high involvement when it comes to dribbles and touches in the box – an indication of a clear attacking threat.

In the