Image source, Rex Features/Getty ImagesImage caption, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Coventry and Watford all have plenty top play for in the second half of the Championship season
Compiled by James Piercy
BBC Sport England
Much like the month itself, the January transfer window is an inescapable, necessary evil that has to be endured - but it also presents opportunity and the chance to make the new year better than the one left behind.
Managers will be repeating "it's a difficult window to do business in", which it is – clubs understandably don't want to lose good players, given the state of the season and lack of time to recruit replacements, and therefore any desirable players are often at inflated prices, leaving behind those on the periphery of squads.
Not to mention the lack of a pre-season and the limited time coaches have to introduce individuals into the squad to make a meaningful impact in the campaign.
But there are gems to be found, and potentially season-altering decisions to be made.
In 2023, Middlesbrough brought in Cameron Archer and Aaron Ramsey to help fire them into the play-offs while, 12 months ago, Ike Ugbo's arrival helped turn Sheffield Wednesday's season around, and at least one team is going to get it right this time.
BBC Sport has spoken to local correspondents across the Championship's 24 clubs to get an idea of who will be doing what over the next few weeks, and how important it could prove to be in the overall context of the 2024-25 campaign.
Blackburn Rovers: 'January is huge'
Andy Bayes
Sports editor, BBC Radio Lancashire
What do Blackburn need in January?
Rovers need to add competition for places and perhaps a couple of players who are going to genuinely impact the starting XI for the second half of the season.
The feeling is that, against the odds, they could mount a serious play-off challenge if they can fill some gaps in the squad. Players who have gone course and distance in the Championship would be great but they come at a premium.
What sort of business are they likely to do?
Rovers are looking for a striker (who isn't?). Yuki Ohashi has played a long time without a break now, and Makhtar Gueye getting off the mark at Sheffield Wednesday in December will do him the world of good.
But can they get someone who might weigh in with half a dozen league goals or more for the second half of the season?
There is also a feeling that a little more pace in the side is on John Eustace's wanted list. Potentially a left-sided player to add further competition for places.
Also, with a season-long injury to Scott Wharton and a lengthy absence for Hayden Carter, another central defender could be an option. Dom Hyam has played every minute of every game this season, and it's a good job that he has with others missing.
Image source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Blackburn defender Hayden Carter has been out injured since the end of October
Are there likely to be any notable departures?
I don't believe so. Had Carter been fit for the first half of the season, he could have attracted interest.
John Buckley and Arnor Sigurdsson haven't featured as much as they'd have liked. It remains to be seen if both will stay beyond January. Eustace doesn't appear to be in a rush to lose them.
How important is the transfer window likely to be in determining the success of their season?
They won't be splashing the cash, that's for sure. I would imagine they'll have an eye on who is out of contract in the summer. Are there players in League One with talent who they can take up a level and give an opportunity to?
The feeling is that if Rovers are serious about a play-off challenge, the current squad could do with a little bit of help to give them the best chance possible. I think January is huge for Rovers.
Bristol City: 'May need to gamble to challenge'
Richard Hoskin
Sports editor, BBC Radio Bristol
What do Bristol City need?
City could use another striker to convert some of the chances they have created. Nahki Wells has become first-choice striker as Sinclair Armstrong and Fally Mayulu get to grips with Championship football – both players are young and Liam Manning will hope there's more to come from them.
Whether another addition is realistic given the money they invested in the pair over the summer is another matter.
Likely business?
Unless City have some additional money that owner Steve Lansdown is willing to spend - or players depart - they won't be able to significantly strengthen their squad. There's also financial fair play to take into account.
Any notable departures?
City have had a conveyor belt of young talent being sold in recent times – Antoine Semenyo, Alex Scott and Tommy Conway spring to mind. On this occasion I'd be surprised if City lose an important first-team player unless they need to sell to bring money in to invest back into the squad.
Harry Cornick has warmed the bench all season – I imagine it'll suit all parties if a deal with another club can be reached.
How key is the window?
As things stand, City are heading for another mid-table finish. I think the consensus is they may need to gamble in the transfer market if they're to genuinely challenge the top six.
Burnley: 'Adding forward threat a priority'
Scott Read
BBC Radio Lancashire commentator
What do Burnley need?
I think they'll be looking for some creative, flair players. Someone who might just be able to unlock a defence, whether that's through technical skill, pace or a combination of both. Adding another threat to the forward line will be a priority.
Likely business?
It's a tricky one because they still have a big squad and they might want or need to move some players on in this window. That will impact what type of business they can do, whether it's loans or permanent deals.
Any notable departures?
Mike Tresor is the most likely big name to leave. Burnley paid a substantial amount for the 25-year-old and even though he's fit and training with the squad, he's yet to feature this season.
How key is the window?
Automatic promotion will probably depend on it. They already look well set for a top-six finish but they may need a little more if they're to finish in the top two.
Cardiff City: 'Underperforming squad needs strengthening'
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales
What do Cardiff need?
Goals and pace. Cardiff are the joint lowest scorers in the Championship this season and, in truth, their attack has been blunt for years. As well as finding a centre forward who can finish, the Bluebirds need to address their lack of pace in the final third.
Likely business?
Manager Omer Riza believes he will get some financial backing and, like his predecessor Erol Bulut, it's the attack that he's keenest to strengthen.
As Cardiff battle against relegation for a third season out of four, however, they are going to be a tough sell for any prospective signings.
Any notable departures?
Losing centre-back Mark McGuinness to Luton in the summer was a blow but it's a measure of Cardiff's current standing that not many – if any – of their players are likely to attract interest in January.
Some youngsters might leave on loan, fringe players could be moved on, but the first-team regulars are unlikely to be poached anytime soon.
How key is the window?
It will certainly have a big bearing on whether or not Cardiff stay up. There was actually a little cautious optimism at the start of the season after some encouraging summer signings but that has proved to be misplaced so far.
On paper, this looks like a comfortable mid-table Championship squad, but it's underperforming and in need of strengthening.
Coventry City: 'Squad needs a refresh'
Rob Gurney
Sports editor, BBC CWR
What do Coventry need?
It's been obvious since the early part of the season that the team is lacking experience and leadership. At 32, Ben Wilson isn't first choice, or at time of writing, a fit goalkeeper, and yet he's the oldest member of the squad.
Left-back Jake Bidwell is seven months younger, at 31, but due to injury and form, hasn't been an automatic selection either. They are crying out for at least one 30-something at the back and in central midfield.
Likely business?
See above, plus the need to utilise Frank Lampard's contacts book to shoehorn one or two hungry loan players into his squad, which head of recruitment Dean Austin was reluctant to facilitate under Mark Robins.
The squad does need a refresh, and there's no way Lampard would have taken the job if owner/chairman Doug King hadn't agreed that he could put his own stamp on things.
Image source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Ben Sheaf has made 129 appearances for Coventry since signing on a permanent deal from Arsenal in 2021
Any notable departures?
There will certainly need to be a degree of churn to regulate the wage bill, offsetting any arrivals with the odd departure or two.
Glancing down the squad list, the likes of Fabio Tavares and Liam Kitching seem surplus to requirements, while fans have been suggesting trying to offload centre-forward Ellis Simms, and even possibly Ben Sheaf, to generate some spending money.
The club captain has 18 months left on his contract, but hasn't scaled the heights of previous seasons.
How key is the window?
Under Robins in recent years, the Sky Blues were slow starters, but saved their best form for the second half of the season. They made the play-off final in 2023, despite a poor start, and for all that the run to the FA Cup semi-final last season was memorable, physically and mentally it took its toll on the players, which ultimately cost them.
It's still very early days for Lampard, but he'll be targeting at least a top-half finish, to give everyone some fresh impetus to take into next season.
Derby County: 'Expect a couple of late loans'
Ed Dawes
BBC Radio Derby commentator
What do Derby need?
The Rams have the makings of a decent Championship side. A midfield controller with experience and another number nine should be high on the shopping list. But that has been the same for years.
Likely business?
It is unlikely Derby will be splashing cash in January. Prices are inflated and the Rams will need to sell or offload before recruiting. I expect a couple of Premier League loans late in the month, which is par for the course for the mid-season window.
Any notable departures?
The Rams have a number of players who are not getting game time. James Collins, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Sonny Bradley all have preferred bodies in front of them and at their ages won't want to be sitting and watching for the rest of the campaign with a minute here and there.
How key is the window?
I don't think it will be. Derby's aim is to survive in the Championship and barring a total failure they will do that. They have to tools to compete and perhaps surprise a few. But the majority of the fanbase know the goal and will be happy to complete it.
Hull City: 'January is season-defining'
Mike White
BBC Radio Humberside
What do Hull need?
Goals, goals, goals - it's that simple. Hull are among the lowest scorers in the Championship and their leading scorer has four goals.
They need strikers of quality but they’re often near impossible to find in January, especially for a team looking to fight off the threat of relegation.
Likely business?
Owner Acun Ilicali and sporting director Jared Dublin both recently indicated that new boss Ruben Selles would be backed so expect some movement, but they'll have to try to move on some of the players who aren't fitting in with what they're wanting to do. Again, that's easier said than done.
Despite an agreement in place with Reading after tempting Selles away, might the financially-troubled Berkshire club be tempted to part with the likes of Lewis Wing or Harvey Knibbs if the price is right?
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ruben Selles' first victory as Hull boss against Swansea on 21 December ended a run of 13 games without a win for the Tigers
Notable departures?
There may have been under Tim Walter, who had seemingly not endeared himself to some of the bigger characters and influential figures at the club, but as he is no longer there, that seems unlikely now.
That said, the summer recruitment wasn't near good enough and they'll have to try to offload some of the players who aren't getting it done in an attempt to free up budget and squad space for a January recruitment effort that is badly needed.
How key is the window?
Season-defining. They're in a perilous position and after going so long without a win before their pre-Christmas victory over Swansea, the Tigers are facing a predicament similar to the one they found themselves in at the back end of the 2019-20 season when they were relegated to League One.
Then, under the previous ownership, the finances were managed in a way that was ultimately sustainable and they got back up at the first time of asking.
With the often extravagant expenditure under Ilicali, a lot of it on failed transfer activity, the fallout could be far more grim if they were to drop to the third tier for a second time in five years.
Leeds United: 'A number nine would be welcome'
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
What do Leeds need?
The prevailing view is they need a natural number 10. Much like the tears of the 'Widows of Bielsa', supporters still mourn the hole left by Pablo Hernandez.
Boss Daniel Farke says he is happy with his squad and to expect a quiet January but has not ruled out a significant move if the opportunity presents itself.
Emi Buendia has been linked before but the one-time Aston Villa record signing's arrival at Elland Road even after only playing 48 minutes of Premier League football this season seems unlikely.
Likely business?
Another long-term injury may force their hand. Leeds have suffered from several lengthy lay-offs already this campaign, notably to first-choice midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev.
Another number nine would be welcome but the sum of the parts of a side that is spreading goals around the front four has meant that Joel Piroe's nine goals in 14 league starts has compensated for Mateo Joseph's two strikes.
Image source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Patrick Bamford is yet to start a Championship game this season
Any notable departures?
Patrick Bamford's bench-warming makes you wonder if he will push for a move with 18 months left on his deal. The one-cap England international is on a big contract and coupled with an injury riddled past few seasons it is difficult to see who could afford the 31-year-old.
Joe Gelhardt is the other forward who has dropped off the radar. We have been told he has had a few injury concerns but, after a spell at Sunderland last year, nine minutes of Championship football this term suggests another loan would suit all concerned.
How key is the window?
Farke has already managed expectations by playing down the club's intentions.
Having had a difficult summer in terms of key departures in Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray to the Premier League, it is fair to say that the subsequent arrivals of Joe Rodon (permanent), Largie Ramazani, Ao Tanaka, Joshua Guilavogui and Isaac Schmidt, as well as Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell both on loan, look capable of returning the club to the Premier League without too many additions.
Luton Town: 'Significant improvement required'
Geoff Doyle
Sports editor, BBC 3CR
What do Luton need?
Where to start? A left wing-back is surely a priority. Alfie Doughty's injury has highlighted Luton's lack of left-footed defenders. Amari'i Bell is more of a centre-back these days (he's injured anyway) so Luton don't have another in the position.
Erik Pieters' arrival adds an extra body in defence, and is left-footed, but it feels like they still need more.
The Hatters are crying out for attacking match-winning players, another striker to back-up Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo and centre-halves with so many injuries.
Likely business?
Hopefully quite a bit. It's much-needed. They are being linked with Republic of Congo international defender Christ Makosso. Midfielder Lamine Fanne signed in the summer from Swedish side AIK but will join up this month.
Any notable departures?
Despite a poor season so far, there have been a number of players who have struggled to feature, which must mean the club would be open to them leaving.
Long-serving midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu can hardly get a kick and attackers Cauley Woodrow and Jack Taylor have only really been used as late substitutes. Departures seem inevitable.
How key is the window?
It could be pretty significant. Luton will be facing a relegation battle if their home form lets them down as their away form is so dreadful.
If they do get sucked into it they will need a stronger squad than they have currently. A significant improvement is required in pretty much every area except goalkeeper.
Middlesbrough: 'Boro would be devastated to lose Doak'
Mark Drury
BBC Radio Tees commentator
What do Boro need?
Boro have a potential issue at right-back where Anfernee Dijksteel is entering the final six months of his contract and Luke Ayling has struggled to hit the heights of last season's loan spell, while Tommy Smith remains a long-term injury absentee.
Recent injuries to Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney showed the strength in depth in central midfield may need to be augmented if a promotion push is to be sustained, while the right side of attack may need reinforcing too.
Likely business?
So much depends on what happens with Emmanuel Latte Lath. Ipswich tried to sign him at the end of the summer window and Boro are braced for renewed interest in the Ivorian.
If he leaves it will only be for a figure that suits the club, with the money then being used to buy a replacement and augment other areas of the squad.
It also wouldn't be a surprise to see some fringe figures depart if the interest is there. Dan Barlaser and Isaiah Jones are two players who would surely interest other Championship clubs if they were available.
Any notable departures?
Latte Lath is an obvious talking point but the player Boro coaches and fans alike would be devastated to lose is Ben Doak. The winger is on a season-long loan from Liverpool and everyone on Teesside is praying they don't recall him.
How key is the window?
Right now Boro have their strongest squad for years. It was built with the express intention of challenging for automatic promotion and to this point Boro have underachieved in that regard.
Some freshening up in the right areas may help unlock the potential that is undoubtedly there.
Millwall: 'New head coach the priority'
Phil Parry
BBC Radio London
What do Millwall need?
Many Millwall fans may well say that some strengthening is needed in various departments. Goals have been at a premium and despite breaking the club's transfer record on a striker in the summer more firepower is needed.
They could also do with some help at the back as well with another central defender.
Likely business?
Assessing what business will be done is difficult without knowing who the new head coach is. The season's start had put the Lions in a good position to look upwards but they can't be complacent.
Quite a bit of business was done in the summer eventually and a similar recruitment route of loan deals and gems may be on the cards.
Any notable departures?
In terms of a potential higher-profile departure, young forward Romain Esse is said to be attracting attention from Premier League clubs.
There might be a move or two for players not seen as long-term options in order to free up space in the squad.
How key is the window?
This window has the possibility to push the club on, but the biggest priority at the moment is to get a head coach in place.
Oxford United: 'May be a busier window than hoped'
Jerome Sale
Sports editor, BBC Radio Oxford
What do Oxford need?
They need players to fit the Gary Rowett style, although a centre-back to replace the injured Ben Nelson and a holding midfielder were probably on the list anyway.
Likely business?
As they fight relegation, it may be a busier window than they had initially hoped. They have decisions to make about players they have out on loan (especially Jack Currie) and those on the fringes of their team that they may wish to loan out.
Any notable departures?
There was talk at the end of the August window that Mark Harris may be a target, but his goals have dried up. If someone wants midfielder Tyler Goodrham they are going to have to spend big.
How key is the window?
Given Oxford are likely to take a more pragmatic approach to the second half of the season, the pivot away from attack-minded wide play will necessitate a successful January, if the team is to stay up.
Norwich City: 'Deals about improving depth'
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk commentator
What do Norwich need?
Norwich have been playing right-wing roulette this season. Lots of players have been tried but it's the one position that no-one has nailed down.
Johannes Hoff Thorup doesn't seem to fancy Christian Fassnacht or Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon. Onel Hernandez tends to be used as a substitute.
Likely business?
Owner-to-be Mark Attanasio has told fans there is money available to spend. It comes with the caveat that it must align with the transfer policy outlined by sporting director Ben Knapper in the summer.
City have been working on reducing the age of the squad and bringing in talent they can develop and sell for a hefty profit.
Image source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Borja Sainz has scored 16 goals in 25 appearances for Norwich, across all competitions, this season
Any notable departures?
All eyes will be on Borja Sainz. Norwich don't want to sell in January but he is the Championship's hottest property and top scorer. He only has 18 months left on his contract so a big money bid would test the club's resolve.
A couple of experienced players, Grant Hanley and Ashley Barnes, are out of contract in the summer. They may be interested in moves if they don't get much game time over the festive period.
How key is the window?
Sainz would be difficult to replace so that's a situation that Norwich might prefer to face in the summer, especially if the Spaniard's hot streak continues.
The vibe around the club is that this is seen as the first season of a new project under Thorup. Any deals would be about improving the depth of the squad and increasing the options.
Attanasio has set a goal of getting into the Premier League within the next five years so January doesn't feel make or break.
Queens Park Rangers: 'Difficult market for goalscorers'
Andy Rowley
BBC Radio London
What do QPR need?
With a fully-fit squad they look solid in goal, defence and central midfield but need cover at full-back and strengthening in attack.
Top scorer Michael Frey has four goals in all competitions, and had been out injured for two months before returning off the bench against Preston before Christmas, while Sam Field, Jimmy Dunne and Rayan Kolli are the next on the list with three.
Zan Celar has struggled since joining the club in the summer and scored his first two goals at the end of November, while one of their biggest players, Ilias Chair, has yet to score after an injury-disrupted start to the season.
Likely business?
You would expect they will be looking at the areas mentioned above, but in terms of goalscorers, they will find it a difficult market in January. They went into the season with two recognised strikers in the squad and we've seen the risk that poses.
Any notable departures?
It looks unlikely that anyone will be leaving, given they really need everyone they have and I am not sure they would be inclined to sell unless it was an offer they couldn't refuse.
How key is the window?
There were quite high hopes after the strong finish to last season. But a poor run of results from mid-September for a couple of months drained a lot of that. Things picked up with a seven-game unbeaten run, including four wins and four clean sheets, that ended at Swansea on Boxing Day.
It could be important to get a forward in to help young Kolli, who has shown good potential and scored two important goals off the bench against Norwich and another against Preston.
Plymouth Argyle: 'Rooney needs more firepower'
Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport, South West
What do Plymouth need?
In short - goals. Only Hull and Cardiff have scored fewer goals than Argyle this season and someone who can reliably put the ball in the net would seem like a must if Wayne Rooney's side are to stay up.
Likely business?
Argyle's attacking problems stem mainly from injuries. Muhamed Tijani has barely featured this season while Ibrahim Cissoko and Morgan Whittaker are both out until January with hip and foot injuries, respectively.
The Pilgrims' offence has suffered more blows in the past two games - Ryan Hardie gashed his knee while Burnley loanee Michael Obafemi injured his groin against Middlesbrough just before Christmas, while Boxing Day saw Mustapha Bundu hurt his hamstring.
It leaves Andre Gray as the only fit senior forward - and he is at the club on a short-term deal which ends in January. While the 33-year-old has scored a couple of key goals, he has not been the answer to Argyle's attacking problems. Whether Rooney perseveres with him or opts to let him go and spend his wages elsewhere is possibly one of his biggest decisions.
The club may also look to strengthen at full-back, particularly left-back. Brendan Galloway and Lewis Gibson - more noted as central defenders - have played on the left in recent weeks as Nathaniel Ogbeta and Matthew Sorinola have struggled to make an impact.