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, we look outside the box a little to bring you our selection from League Two clubs.
By Nathan Evans
(All stats correct as of 04th January.)
Davis Keillor-Dunn – Mansfield Town
We begin this list with Davis Keillor-Dunn of Mansfield Town who at present is currently ranked as the best player in League Two with a FotMob average rating of 7.84 across his 24 appearances in the competition. That impressive ranking has been largely aided by his return of 14 goals and five assists from his attacking midfield position, netting three braces in the process as he continues to help his side towards potential promotion this campaign.
In fact, of all attacking midfielders and wingers in League Two, no player has recorded more touches in the opposition’s box (123), shots (95), shots on target (45) or accumulative xG (10.03) than the 26-year-old. He’s also created 56 chances for his teammates, whilst his ability to win the ball back in the final third has also aided his side to move up the pitch when needed.
But Mansfield could now struggle to keep hold of Keillor-Dunn this winter due to his impressive form and the fact he only has one more year remaining on his contract, especially with a number of sides higher up the English football pyramid said to be interested in acquiring his services.
Joe Tomlinson – MK Dons
Simply put, MK Dons’ Joe Tomlinson has been the best left-back in League Two this season. Since facing Sutton United in mid-September, the former Peterborough defender, who only joined his new club this summer, has put in performances ranked higher than 7.00 15 times in his 16 appearances according to FotMob.
Many of those top quality performances have been aided by Tomlinson’s attacking profile, with his return of five goals and four assists helping his side to make a play-off push this campaign. In fact, of all full-backs at this level, the 23-year-old ranks inside the top 10% of all players in his position for chances created (39), shots (37) and successful crosses (23) which could make him a target for a number of bigger clubs this winter.
Improvements still need to be made on the defensive front, as Tomlinson’s ball recovery and interception tallies remain low, but with 94 duels won at a 54% success rate, he’s definitely announced himself as a fantastic lower-league wing back during the 2023/24 season.
Ali Al Hamadi – AFC Wimbledon
Despite still only being 21-years-old, Iraq-born striker Ali Al Hamadi is proving to be a huge hit with AFC Wimbledon fans after he joined the London club this summer. Registering 0.89 goal contributions per 90 of League Two action this campaign, the former Tranmere and Swansea youth player remains in the hunt for the competition’s ‘Golden Boot’ with 13 strikes to his name, whilst his additional six assists highlight his strong all-round play.
That can be even further emphasised with a glance at his passing stats as his 33 chances created and 291 successful passes also beat most players in his position. But it’s still his pure finishing that remains his strongest suit and is likely the reason why other sides will look to sign him this January.
His touches in the opposition box (183), successful dribbles (39) and times winning possession in the final third (24) can’t be beaten by other strikes in the division, and although he’s currently falling behind his 15.52 xG total, there’s still plenty to come from Al Hamadi from a development perspective, given his age.
Brad Hills – Accrington Stanley
Currently on loan, from Championship side Norwich City, young defender Brad Hills is enjoying a fantastic season with Accrington Stanley in England’s fourth tier and could be a transfer target for sides higher up the football pyramid this winter.
The 19-year-old has so far played 2234 minutes of action in League Two, helping his side to recover from their relegation last season with a string of impressive performances. Despite his young age, Hills showcases maturity beyond his years with his awareness and control on the ball helping him to operate as an astute ball-playing central defender at this level.
However, it’s definitely with his defensive ability where Hills has shone most this campaign. Of all centre-backs in the division, none have won more duels overall (275) or aerial duels in particular (188), while he currently also holds the top tallies for both interceptions (48) and successful tackles (33) – all factors which could seriously tempt a side into making a move for him over the next month.
Dan Kemp – MK Dons
Last on our list is MK Dons midfielder Dan Kemp who spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Swindon Town where he produced stunning performance after stunning performance.
Through 25 starts whilst out on loan at the County Ground, the 24-year-old managed to record 22 direct goal contributions for the club, the second-most of any player in the league. 14 of those came in the form of goals – the most of any attacking midfielder or winger – with his return witnessing both strikes from distance and close range finishes in equal measure. In fact, his xG total of just 7.96 highlights just how clinical his approach has been in front of goal this campaign, as does his 19.2% conversion rate from his 73 attempted shots.
As well as his fantastic finishing this term, Kemp also proved himself as a crucial provider for his former teammates. Whilst his eight assists is the joint second-most in League Two at present, in his position, no player has created more chances (58) and his overall influence throughout matches can be best highlighted by his total of 1255 touches of the ball, a figure in the top 5%.
It does need to be mentioned though, that if MK Dons boss Mike Williamson opts to play Kemp during his side’s next outing versus Tranmere on January 13th, then he won’t be able to move clubs this winter and feature for his potential new side. That’s because the midfielder will have featured for two different clubs in one season, the maximum amount allowed, which gives rival clubs just over a week’s time in order to agree a deal to sign the 24-year-old.
(Images from IMAGO)
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