Championship transfers: Vardy, Diatta and Antonio among the free agents signed since deadline day

The EFL transfer window closed at 11pm on 1 September, but Championship clubs have kept signing players since then, because footballers without a club can be registered at any time. The biggest name is Jamie Vardy, who joined Burnley in September, and Watford have added two experienced internationals, Krépin Diatta and Michail Antonio, on free transfers.

Why did Jamie Vardy join Burnley?

Burnley announced on Sunday 6 September that Vardy had signed until the end of the season. At 39, the former Leicester City striker arrived from Cremonese, who were relegated from Serie A last season. Vardy won the Premier League with Leicester in 2015-16 and the Golden Boot in 2019-20, and he left the club at the end of 2024-25.

Head coach Nicky Hayen told the club's media that Vardy's experience and leadership would be invaluable. Burnley needed both: relegated from the Premier League last season, they were bottom of the Championship and still without a win after five matches when the deal was announced.

Who have Watford signed as free agents?

BBC Sport reported on 1 October that Watford had signed Senegal international Diatta on a one-year contract with the option of a further year. The 27-year-old, who can play as a right wing-back or right winger, spent five and a half seasons at Monaco before leaving this summer. He was part of the Senegal squad that reached the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup, and has 26 Champions League appearances and 66 caps.

BBC Sport's list of deals completed in September and October also records Antonio's free move to Watford, and Dutch forward Myron Boadu joining the club as an unattached player on deadline night.

Which young players have moved since the deadline?

Cardiff City have signed 17-year-old midfielder Charlie Holt, who came through the age groups at Manchester City. Cardiff say he will join their Under-21 squad. In the club's announcement, Holt described himself as an energetic player with technical ability. The Sun, quoted in Sky Sports' newspaper review, framed the move as Holt quitting City only days after the club was found guilty of breaching financial rules.

What did Wrexham do on deadline day?

Wrexham, without a win at that point, completed two deals on 1 September. Centre-back Joe Worrall arrived from Burnley, in a deal sources told ESPN was worth around £2m, and attacking midfielder Callum O'Hare joined from Sheffield United on a three-year contract with the option of a fourth, in a deal ESPN said could reach £7m. O'Hare was Phil Parkinson's seventh signing of the summer. The club had confirmed Conor Coady's departure by mutual consent the day before.

When can Championship clubs sign players again?

Apart from free agents, the next opportunity is the January window. Until then, clubs can only add players who are out of contract, which is why experienced internationals such as Diatta remain the main source of reinforcements in the second tier.