The EFL has long been a happy hunting ground for Premier League clubs in the transfer market.
Several top flight sides regularly dip their toes into the lower leagues, with Crystal Palace’s additions of Championship stars Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton in recent years prime evidence of the potential benefits of casting eyes down the pyramid.
The EFL has also proven to be a grounding for many careers. In fact, 19 members of England’s 26-man squad at last summer’s Euros had experience across the three divisions.
Eiran Cashin (Derby to Brighton), Romain Esse (Millwall to Crystal Palace) and Alex Palmer (West Brom to Ipswich) were examples of January signings following the well-trodden path and, while the trio are still finding their feet at new clubs, they are further proof of the opportunities that are out there.