With the window now shut, clubs in England’s second division can no longer readjust their squads in preparation for the second half of the season. There were several high profile additions made by Championship sides in the January transfer window, none more so Jean-Kevin Augustin’s move to Leeds United. Last Word On Football assesses the top three signings made by clubs in the Championship this January.
Top Three Championship Signings of the January Transfer Window
Jean-Kevin Augustin – Leeds United
In the history of the Championship, it is difficult to think of many more high profile signings than Augustin joining Leeds.
The Frenchman was reportedly a target for Manchester United, but he insisted on making the move to Elland Road. It is only initially a loan signing. But, should Marcelo Bielsa’s side get promoted, then it is likely that the 22-year-old will join on a permanent basis.
However high profile he may be, he arrives at Leeds with a point to prove. During his time on loan with Monaco during the first half of this season, he registered a solitary goal. Last season saw him score just six times.
As a result, Leeds will be hoping that their new signing can hit the ground running; the club is looking to end their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Nahki Wells – Bristol City
Pipped from under the noses of Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City completed the signing of Nahki Wells from Burnley late on in the window.
The 29-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with QPR, scoring 15 times from 29 appearances.
Edging close towards 20 goals a season usually demands a premium fee for strikers in the modern game. However, Wells is reported to have commanded a fee of just £5 million.
Wells’ regular goal-scoring experience in the Championship is undoubtedly what convinced the Robins that he could be the man to help them win promotion; he reached double figures in three consecutive seasons 2014 to 2017.
As well as scoring goals, manager Lee Johnson will be hoping that Wells can help raise the performances of his current strikers with the added competition. Famara Diedhiou is the current top scorer at Ashton Gate this season with 10 goals.
Kamil Grosicki – West Bromwich Albion
The Polish international went under the radar at Hull City due to the rise of Jarrod Bowen, who also left the Tigers this window.
In fact, the last two-and-a-half seasons at the KCOM Stadium, Kamil Grosicki has produced the best attacking figures of his career. The 2017-18 season saw him register nine goals and five assists in 38 appearances; the following season saw him score nine times once, while assisting his team-mates 12 times. Even during the first half of the current season, he scored eight times in all competitions for Grant McCann’s side.
As a result, despite his increasing age – he will be 32-years old in June – West Brom have taken a punt on him to help them return to the Premier League. While his contract runs until just June 2021, he will do what he can to help the Baggies with their short-term goals.
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