With the January transfer window open, we take a look at five players who could be on the move this month, from each of the English Football League’s divisions. From young prospects to in-form stars, here’s our selection from League One clubs.
By Nathan Evans
(All stats correct as of 03rd January.)
Ronnie Edwards – Peterborough United
Still only 20-years-old, central defender Ronnie Edwards is enjoying another solid season at promotion-chasing Peterborough United. With 25 starts under his belt, which has taken his total tally to 117 appearances for the club, the current England U20 star is reportedly now being chased by several Premier League and Championship clubs as a result.
This season, Edwards has truly announced himself as one of the country’s best upcoming ball-playing defenders. When ranked against all other centre backs in the competition, no player in his position has recorded more touches of the ball (2421), played more successful passes (1975) or holds a better pass accuracy rate (91.6%) than him.
He also excels where needed in a truly defensive sense too, proving himself to be strong in the tackle, whilst also holding the anticipation and positioning to make crucial interceptions when called upon. His tally of 122 ball recoveries also goes a long way to highlighting his ability to read the game well, a trait that could help him to secure a sizeable transfer in the near future.
Eiran Cashin – Derby County
Another young star who could make the move from League One to a higher division this winter is 22-year-old Derby County centre-back Eiran Cashin, who has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far in 2023/24. After racking up his 100th first-team appearance for the Rams last weekend, the club subsequently activated a clause in his contract which extended his current deal until the summer of 2025.
But even with that in place, the former Premier League outfit could struggle to keep hold of their prized defender this January with his statistics pointing to the fact that he is currently operating at a higher level.
In almost every area, Cashin is ranked inside the top 5% of all central defenders in the league this campaign, from successful tackles (34) to attempted shots (24) and just about everything else in between. He remains a physically dominant centre back, with 189 duels won and 40 interceptions made, but he also shines with the ball at his feet, completing 103 long balls and creating 13 chances for his teammates – both high figures amongst his peers. Such is his all-round ability, don’t be surprised to see the Irish youth international move to a higher division during this transfer window.
Cameron Brannagan – Oxford United
After now making over 250 first-team appearances for Oxford United, 27-year-old midfielder Cameron Brannagan could be a man in demand this transfer window after several clubs recently expressed their desire to sign him.
Simply put, the former Liverpool youngster is proving to be too good to play in League One this season. With seven goals and five assists through 23 league outings, Brannagan currently holds the highest FotMob rating in the entire competition at 7.78 and when you dig into his advanced statistics, it’s not difficult to see why.
When ranked against other central midfielders in England’s third tier, none have attempted more shots (59), created more chances (49), recorded more shots on target (24) or have completed more successful crosses (52). Brannagan also ranks in the top five percent for successful passes, accurate long balls and overall touches of the ball which further highlight both his importance to Oxford but also his all-round skill set which could appeal to a few Championship clubs in January.
Alfie May – Charlton Athletic
The oldest player on this list at 30, Charlton’s Alfie May has been in stunning goalscoring form again this campaign, netting 15 goals in just 22 League One outings. That sees him leading the Golden Boot race in the division alongside Blackpool’s Jordan Rhodes, but with his current side sat in mid-table obscurity, a team higher up the league or even in the Championship could take a punt on him this winter.
In short, May has proven himself to be one of the sharpest strikers in the league over 2023 – scoring the most goals of any player across England’s professional leagues. This season alone, alongside his unbeatable goal tally, no striker has attempted more shots (83) or more shots on target (33), whilst raking up an xG total of 10.88 in the process. His return of 15 strikes from that total highlights his lethal nature in front of net which could prove tempting to other clubs this January, especially with his contract only having one more year left on it after the completion of this campaign.
Owen Moxon – Carlisle United
Arguably the least well-known player on this list, Carlisle United’s Owen Moxon has played a huge part in their recent success, as the club enjoyed promotion from League Two last campaign. It hasn’t gone too well since though, as the Cumbrian side remain in the relegation spots at present, and as such, the 25-year-old could be a transfer target for other League One sides this winter.
With an average FotMob rating of 7.36 across his 23 league appearances this campaign, Moxon remains as one of the most in-form central midfielders in the division at present. Normally deployed in a box-to-box role, the former Annan Athletic star is equally as adept at pushing up the field offensively as he is defending his own back line.
His attacking output is best emphasised by the fact that his 45 attempted shots rank him in the top 2% of all central midfielders in the competition, whilst his three goals and three assists showcase his ability to directly influence matches in an attacking manner.
But Moxon is perhaps better recognised for his defensive work, with no midfielder in the competition recording more successful tackles (46) or winning more duels (169) than him. With that being the case, Carlisle could struggle to keep hold of their number four over the next month, especially as they continue to falter at the wrong end of the standings.
(Images from IMAGO)
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