West Midlands Clubs Eye Free Agent Market After Transfer Deadline
The January transfer window may have officially closed last Monday at 7pm, but for clubs across the West Midlands, opportunities to strengthen their squads remain very much alive. Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City all retain the ability to sign players who are currently unattached as free agents, with a surprising array of experienced talent still available on the market.
Defensive Options for Midland Sides
Several notable defenders currently find themselves without clubs and could provide immediate solutions for teams needing to bolster their back lines. Former Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma has recently become available following his departure from Romanian side CFR Cluj and is now carefully considering his next career move. The experienced French defender represents a potential option for any of the three West Midlands clubs should they require defensive reinforcements.
Full-back Brandon Williams has severed ties with Hull City after joining the Tigers last summer and making just a single first-team appearance. Now unattached once more, the former Manchester United defender will be eager to secure regular football as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Craig Dawson left Wolves at the conclusion of the previous campaign and has yet to find a new footballing home. The vastly experienced operator would represent a shrewd acquisition for any Championship side.
Other defensive players currently available without transfer fees include Serge Aurier, Juan Bernat, Jason Denayer and Daniel Amartey, providing clubs with multiple options across different defensive positions.
Attacking Talent Still Seeking Clubs
In attacking areas, perhaps the most eye-catching name available is former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who recently departed Stamford Bridge and needs to find a new club. While it would be surprising to see the England international drop into the Football League with West Brom or Birmingham, he could represent a realistic target for Wolves, who might offer him regular minutes as he seeks to revitalise his career.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior commented recently about Sterling's departure, stating: "He is a magnificent guy and player. There are a lot of positive things going on in the background that I have nothing to do with. I wish Raheem and his family all the best."
Other wingers worth consideration include Zymer Bytyqi and Ryan Kent, with the latter having spent recent seasons in Turkey with Fenerbahce and in America with Seattle Sounders before departing Major League Soccer. More established names like Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli and Michail Antonio all remain on the market and urgently need to find new teams to continue their professional careers.
The midfield market also includes former Chelsea player Tiemoue Bakayoko, alongside European options like Amine Bassi and Jayden Braaf who represent more economical choices. Alex Pritchard, who previously had a stint at Birmingham City, has recently left Turkish side Sivasspor and brings experience from spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City and Huddersfield Town.
For clubs across the West Midlands, the free agent market presents genuine opportunities to address squad needs despite the formal transfer window having closed. With Wolves battling against Premier League relegation, Birmingham City pushing for Championship play-off positions, and West Brom aiming to avoid dropping to League One, all three clubs have clear motivations to explore what remains available without transfer fees.
