Pressure can make people do strange things. With limited time and a lot to get done, plenty of January transfers give the impression of something completed in a hurry, and which those involved may reflect on poorly in the cold light of day. While there’s more money, and therefore risk, involved at the top level, Championship managers aren’t immune from such mistakes.
Gary Madine – Cardiff City
Perhaps the most baffling deal done in this, or any other, transfer window. Spiralling fees in the Premier League have a knock-on effect elsewhere and this was especially evident in the £6million that it cost Cardiff City to prise Gary Madine away from Bolton. A useful lump of a striker on his day, and admittedly in good goalscoring form at the moment, it was an extraordinary price for someone who had never previously reached double figures in the second tier.
Cameron Jerome – Derby County
While far from prolific, Jerome is a sorely underrated striker. His pace and work rate make him a constant threat and well-suited to launching rapid counter-attacks as Derby often do. The real issue is whether he was needed though. Darren Bent and Chris Martin were moved on to help accommodate the £1.5million signing from Norwich, but Gary Rowett already had plenty of forward options available to him. And at 31, Jerome’s career is only heading one way.
Marcus Edwards – Norwich City
On the surface, it seemed to make perfect sense. A clever and versatile attacking midfielder, highly rated by Mauricio Pochettino, Edwards looked set to fill the void left by the departure of Alex Pritchard. Unfortunately, just a couple of weeks into his loan deal and issues about the 19-year-old’s attitude, and commitment to working hard when out of possession have already been raised by Daniel Farke. Whether he deserves to or not, Edwards has yet to feature for Norwich so far.
Adam Forshaw – Leeds United
Leeds needed somebody comfortable on the ball to set the tone for the rest of the team to follow. Out of favour at Middlesbrough and keen to start playing again, Forshaw fits the bill but was far too expensive at £4.5million. A handy player, albeit a little too prone to a sideways pass, it was a hefty fee for someone with his limited repertoire. Marcus Christenson could surely have found better value elsewhere.
Kieffer Moore – Barnsley
Barnsley continue to defy expectations on one of the division’s lowest budgets, and have developed a reputation for turning other clubs’ cast-offs into part of a cohesive team. However, Kieffer Moore might be a step too far. He failed to score in 11 games for Ipswich, after moving from Forest Green Rovers last January, but impressed on loan at Rotherham United earlier this season. Barnsley took a punt on the towering striker but questions remain about his ability to trouble Championship defences.
