The second tier of English football is an extremely exciting and unpredictable league so naturally, I’ve taken a look at the transfer business of each side in the division and made a prediction as to where I believe they will finish come the end of the season.

The Champions

Sheffield United

The Blades identified and addressed the key areas necessary fairly early on in the transfer window, with the arrivals of Harrison Burrows, Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore standing out. Provided they hit the ground running and they manage to add a number one goalkeeper to their ranks, their squad will arguably become one of the best the league has to offer. Despite the two point deduction and Chris Wilder having his critics I believe they’re in for a stellar season.

Runners-Up

Luton Town

The most important thing for Luton this summer was to keep hold of the vast amount of Championship talent they already possess. Barring the departure of Ross Barkley, they have managed to do exactly that. With one of the most exciting and highest pedigree managers in the division and the impressive squad created over the past few years, it’s hard to argue against a Premier League return for the Hatters. Signing some of the Championship’s best last summer in the form of Thomas Kaminski, Mads Anderson, Tahith Chong and Jacob Brown, to name a few, will really step up to the place and show their worth in the second tier.

Play-Offs

3. Leeds United

Last campaign Leeds managed the highest ever points tally by a team that did not gain automatic promotion finishing third on 90 points, six behind Ipswich in second. Despite the departures of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, and Crysencio Summerville, their squad still looks incredibly strong with many influential figures still at the club. By acquiring last season’s loanee Joe Rodon on a permanent basis and loaning Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth, they’ve added some real quality to the side, players who are amongst the divisions best, in their respective areas. Rothwell was impressive throughout his loan spell with play-off winners Southampton last season, despite his limited minutes. With Georginio Rutter amongst the league’s top playmakers last time out, hitting 15 Championship assists, his presence will be relied on even more this season.

4. Burnley

Unlike most of the division Burnley’s summer business started with the appointment of a new head coach. Something that took its time, but has ultimately led to a very assured addition. Scott Parker is a proven second tier coach, with two Championship promotions, from his only two seasons in the league, as a head coach. Inheriting an already high pedigree squad, there was little for Burnley to do in the transfer window, but the additions that have been made are young and exciting talents, who will only bolster the current crop of players. With minimal departures, the squad looks to be well prepared and settled, ahead of the season opener.

5. Coventry City

Coventry look to have a very well rounded squad, with the additions of Brandon Thomas-Asante and Raphael Rodrigues bolstering their attacking options and loanee Luis Binks making a permanent move to the midlands there wasn’t much more to be addressed in the transfer market. After also adding a young, promising goalkeeper to their ranks. The Sky Blues ended the last campaign in unspectacular fashion, missing out on a consecutive play-off place by nine points. But with Mark Robins still at the helm, another return to the play-off places may be on the cards this season.

6. Middlesbrough

Boro finished just outside the play-off places last season, and haven’t been very busy in the transfer market. In the form of both departures and additions. Luke Ayling joined the club on a free transfer, following a very successful loan spell last campaign. Striker Emmanuel Latte Lath joined the club in August 2023 and bagged 16 goals in 30 Championship appearances last season. He’s sure to be an influential figure for Boro, and has the potential to be one of the division’s sharpest shooters.

The Rest

7. West Bromwich Albion

Carlos Corberan has done a phenomenal job at West Brom so far, and has become one of the most respected managers in the division. The 41-year-old led the Baggies to a play-off place last season, before they were beaten in the semi-finals by the eventual victors Southampton. Paddy McNair on loan for the season is a brilliant acquisition, but with two key figures departing in Okay Yokuslu and Brandon Thomas-Asante, I believe they’ll struggle to improve on last season’s placement given the complications around their transfer activity abilities.

8. Watford

The re-signing of Moussa Sissoko is a real stand-out signing for Watford, the midfielder joined the Hornets on a free transfer from french outfit FC Nantes. The loan signing of Yasser Larouci is also an interesting one. The young french full back struggled to make an impact for Sheffield United last season during his loan spell in the Premier League, but maybe a step down to the second tier will provide him a platform to really showcase his ability. Tom Cleverley has a point to prove as a manager, but with the squad at his disposal and his knowledge and understanding of the division he possesses some of the attributes needed to succeed in the dugout.

9. Sheffield Wednesday

Getting the vast majority of their transfer business done early in the window has given Wednesday a really good opportunity to gel as a squad, in order to hit the ground running at the start of the season. James Beadle was a key figure last season, so signing him to another season long loan was a very smart and low risk transfer. Wednesday have added players with Championship know-how as well as adding young exciting talents. Both Jamal Lowe and Max Lowe are experienced in the division and more importantly, have experience at top end teams. It has been a very progressive window for the Owls, with Danny Rohl clearly looking to take Wednesday from a survival side to a potential play-off contender over the next few seasons.

10. Norwich City

The Canaries have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, in terms of additions. After finishing sixth last season there was always going to be interest in stand out performer Gabriel Sara, who managed double figures in both goals and assists (13G 12A) in the league, so his move to Galatasaray doesn’t come as much of a shock, but he will be a huge miss this season nevertheless. Young starlet Jonathan Rowe, who managed 12 goals in 25 league starts will also have had an abundance of suitors, so keeping hold of him was very important and impressive. Ben Chrisene impressed for Blackburn in his somewhat limited minutes during his second half of the season loan spell from Aston Villa last campaign, and he looks to be a good youthful addition to the Norwich squad. Panama international centre-half Jose Cordoba also joined the defensive contingency at Johannes Hoff Thrup’s disposal. The 23 year old will add a good blend of youth to the heart of a defence already consisting of Shane Duffy and Grant Hanley as they both approach 33 years of age.

11. Sunderland

Sunderland have utilised the free agent market thus far in the summer window. Managing to pick up a mixture of Championship experience and a couple of younger, high potential players as well. Their experienced additions came in the form of goalkeeper Simon Moore and former Preston North End captain Alan Browne, who had proved a pivotal figure for PNE over the past few seasons. Adding Ian Poveda to their ranks gives them an exiting outlet who will hopefully provide many attacking returns for years to come. The appointment of French manager Regis Le Bris is an interesting one and somewhat a gamble. The 48-year-old is still relatively new to senior management so the jury will very much be out for him this campaign.

12. Preston North End

It has been a fairly quiet window for North End who’ve only made two additions so far. Sam Greenwood has joined on a season long loan from Leeds United, and Stefán Teitur Thórdarson arrived from Danish side Silkeborg IF, seemingly replacing Alan Browne in the heart of midfield. Ryan Lowe will be hoping for a few more additions as the window draws to a close. With PNE being linked with a loan deal for Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist in recent weeks. North end always seem to finish mid-table of late, and I can’t see this season being any different.

13. Hull City

Last season many of Hull City’s stars were loaned from Premier League clubs. Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho, Manchester City forward Liam Delap and Burnley’s Anass Zaroury to name a few. While several of their other key figures have now also left. With defender Jacob Greaves leaving for Premier League side Ipswich and talisman winger Jaden Philogene returning to Aston Villa on a permanent deal. Championship manager of the season nominee Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties at the end of last season. Former Hamburg and Stuttgart head coach Tim Walter has taken the reins. With a high turnaround of players and staff, I think it will be a tough and unspectacular season for the Tigers.

14. Bristol City

Much like Preston, Bristol always seem to finish around the mid-table places. With Scott Twine having returned to Burnley following the conclusion of his loan spell and forward Tommy Conway wanting to leave the club, attacking options were arguably looking light for the Robins. However, the acquisition of young forward Sinclair Armstrong from QPR will provide them with a fresh outlet and option going forward. As will the loan signing of Japanese winger Yu Hirakawa on the flanks. Striker Fally Mayulu hit double figures in all competitions for Rapid Wien in Austria last season, and at 22 years old he will hopefully be a key figure for the Robins for years to come.

15. Millwall

Neil Harris will be happy to have re-signed Japhet Tanganga, this time on a permanent deal following his departure from Spurs on a free transfer. The versatile defender starred in the heart of the defence throughout the second half of the last campaign while on loan. Macaulay Langstaff is a striker who was often the centre of discussion amongst many second tier clubs fans prior to his move to Millwall. There’s no question around whether he can score goals, but the step up to the Championship may take some time for him to adapt too. That being said, he will ultimately prove a smart signing, and at 27, he’s in the prime of his career. Finishing 13th last season, I think Millwall are in for a very similar season.

16. Blackburn Rovers

A week or so ago many Rovers fans will have been stressing about their lack of transfer activity. But with five players penning deals in just over 48 hours last week their squad has finally been bolstered. The departure of Sam Gallagher and with the division’s top marksman Sammie Szmodics still being rumoured with a move to Ipswich, Rovers needed forwards. Makhtar Gueye managed double figures for Belgian side RWD Molenbeek and Japanese forward Yuki Ohashi hit 14 goal contributions in the J. League, so goal scorers have been recruited. The Championship experience of Danny Baath, Andi Weimann and Kyle McFadzean is exactly what Eustace’s side lacked in the last campaign. Provided they manage to add another goalkeeper to their ranks, I anticipate a slightly better season for Rovers.

17. Queens Park Rangers

Martí Cifuentes has done a pretty good job since joining QPR at the end of October. Barring a poor run of form leading into the new year, he managed to steady a struggling side, and ultimately steer them clear of relegation. Chris Willock had been an influential figure in previous years for the Hoops, but the last campaign was far from his best, although his departure will still be felt. Promising young Irish forward Sinclair Armstrong leaving the side will be a disappointing departure, but the arrival of Solvinian international Zan Celar means they retain numbers in the forward areas. The 6’1 forward netted over 20 goals in all competitions for Swiss Super League runners up Lugano last season. Liam Morrison, who impressed for Wigan last campaign, and versatile Brazilian full-back Hevertton add youth (21 and 23 years old) and promise to their defensive options. The goalkeeping department needed to be addressed with the departure of Asmir Begovic leaving them light of options. Frenchman Paul Nardi joining on a free transfer from KAA Gent provides competition for Joe Walsh, who is Cifuentes’ only other option between the sticks.

Looking Over Their Shoulder

18. Stoke City

Viktor Johansson has been widely regarded as one of the division’s best shot stoppers over the last couple of seasons. Stoke managing to secure his signature early in the window was a very impressive move given the interest in him from elsewhere. Ben Gibson and the recent signing of Sam Gallagher only add to the plethora of Championship experience in the squad. Gallagher is a hardworking forward who at 28 should be in the prime of his career. Although his numbers are not as impressive as you’d hope for a forward, he will add energy and determination to the side. Eric-Junior Bocat’s arrival from Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truident for around £1 million will give the Potters a more youthful option on the left hand side of defence, providing Lydon Gooch and Enda Stevens some difficult competition for places. Retaining the likes of Wouter Burger was also a big necessity for Stoke this window but despite this I believe Steven Schumacher’s side will be in for another tough campaign, much like last season.

19. Cardiff City

The arrivals of Chris Willock and Anwar El Ghazi give Erol Bulut experienced options in the wide and forward areas, alongside the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Callum O’Dowda, they have plenty of knowhow going forward. 26 year old forward Wilfred Kanga joining on loan from Hertha Berlin also gives the Bluebirds a fresh attacking outlet. Callum Chambers is also a versatile experienced addition to the side. Despite the positive additions, I believe the side will struggle this season and finish slightly lower than last season given the quality of the rest of the division.

20. Swansea City

Lawrence Vigouroux was a standout performer during his time with Leyton Orient, but his move to Burnley did not go to plan, making zero senior appearances across two seasons with the recently relegated side. The 30-year-old earned the opportunity to play in the second tier while at Orient, so hopefully he can take his chance this time round. Nathan Wood was an influential figure for Luke Williams side last term so his move to Premier League new boys Southampton will prove to be a huge miss in the heart of the Swans defence. The youthful arrivals of Ji-sung Eom and Zan Vipotnik prove Swansea with a fresh outlook in the forward areas. Although Matt Grimes was subject to interest from elsewhere earlier in the window, the long standing midfield figure remains with the Swans. Another side that often find themselves in and around the middle of the division I believe Swansea will be in for a tough season.

21. Portsmouth

The additions of Josh Murphy, Elias Sorensen and loanee Sam Silvera have provided the League One winners with plenty of fresh attacking outlets. Murphy was a real handful for Oxford last season, and was always bound to end up at a Championship club. Silvera bagged nine goal contributions for Middelsborough last season, and at 23-years-old he is only going to improve during his loan spell with John Mousinho’s side. Of course a lot of last season’s stand out performers will need to make the step up to the second tier, and there will definitely be questions asked throughout the season. Pompeys’ backs will be against the wall until the end of the campaign, but the resilience and determination of the squad is what I think will just about guide them to a narrow survival.

Going Down

22. Oxford United

Oxford have been very busy in the transfer market, utilising the free agent market and picking up plenty of second tier experience in the process. Matt Phillips and Will Vaulks are good signings for a side that will no doubt be under constant pressure throughout the season. Louie Sibley was once compared to Jude Bellingham, when both were young prospects making waves in the Championship. Since then he has not quite managed to develop his talent as much as some may have hoped. With that being said, he is still only 22 and full of potential, with a bright career still ahead, making his move to Oxford a good one for both parties. Another former Derby academy graduate that has joined the Us is winger Malcolm Ebiowei. The England under 20 international has joined on a season long loan from Crystal Palace, and will be hoping to fill the void of last season’s star on the flanks Josh Murphy. The goalkeeping department is also something that needed attention for the yellows. Matt Ingram has joined from Hull City and has plenty of experience in the division. Charlie Cunningham also provides the yellows with other options between the sticks. Despite the mass activity in the market so far, the step up to the Championship is extremely difficult. Oxford will no doubt be up for the 46 game long battle, and will obviously not go down without a fight. I imagine their fans are in for a roller coaster of a season, but one that I think will possibly end in disappointment.

23. Derby County

Ebou Adams was a pivotal part of the Rams promotion last time out, during his loan spell from Cardiff City, so securing his signature on a permanent basis was an extremely smart move. Alongside the arrival of young midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn from AZ Alkmaar, the Rams have recruited well in the midfield areas. With versatile defender and midfielder Ben Ozborn also joining on a free transfer from Sheffield United. But it’s difficult to see where the goals are going to come from for Derby. Despite signing Jerry Yates on a season long loan, their options in the forward areas are looking bare. Kyden Jackson has scored six Championship goals in over 60 appearances in the division, so although his arrival from Ipswich may prove a good one, it’s difficult to see how he will produce the numbers necessary for survival. Connor Washington and James Collins are both well experienced within the EFL, but I feel their best days are behind them.

24. Plymouth Argyle

Keeping Morgan Whittaker at the club is massive for Argyle, but with the difficulty of the division, it’s going to be a tough ask for them to survive with only a few influential figures. Bali Mumba being another of the main men for the greens. Their three loan additions to the side in the form of Darko Gyabi from Leeds United, Ibrahim Cissoko from Toulouse and forward Muhamed Tijani joining the side from Slavia Prague. But given they only survived by a single point last campaign, Argyle are going to struggle this season. The appointment of Wayne Rooney is a very unconvincing one given his recent record in English football. The Pilgrims needed a manager with survival experience if they want a third consecutive season in the second division.

PROGRAMME PASSIONS – NEWCASTLE UNITED

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