GBE? ESC? What? Let me try to explain why this is so exciting for football recruitment.
With the FA revising its Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria for overseas footballers able to join the English leagues, EFL clubs are now able to cast their net wider and utilise Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) slots on new signings. In a nutshell, Championship, League One and League Two clubs are able to sign two overseas players who wouldn't qualify for a GBE permit via the points based system. Championship clubs are also permitted a further two ESC players based on other requirements. Basically, any player that has played international football at youth or senior level and has at least five appearances in a Band 1 to Band 5 league are considered likely to qualify as an ESC player.
What league? What band?
So you can see why, with the January transfer window approaching, clubs across the country, in all divisions should be looking for players that until recently would've been unattainable to them.
Let's have some fun. I'm going to put an EFL recruitment team hat on and try and find players that stand out on the data and video to create a squad of possible January transfer targets.
I don't want to be too restrictive with parameters, after all, the beauty of the upgraded GBE criteria is the number of players now available and new countries to focus on. But we do need some directive!
Let's go with this. A focus on Band 4 and Band 5 leagues in Europe.
Band 4
• Czech - First league
• Croatian - First League
• Swiss - Super League
• Spain - La Liga 2
• Germany - 2.Bundesliga
• Ukraine - Premier League
• Greece - Superleague
• Austria - Bundesliga
• Denmark - Superliga
• Russian - Premier League
• France - Ligue 2
Band 5
• Serbian - Superliga
• Poland - Ekstraklasa
• Slovenia - Prvaliga
• Sweden - Allsvenskan
• Norway - Eliteserien
• Italy - Serie B
• Hungary - Namzeti Bajnoksag
In the interest of trying to keep the recommended players realistic we'll only look at players with a market value on transfermarkt of €3m or less.
And we'll look for players with sell on potential, therefore nobody over the age of 26
Using rankings formed from wyscout data here's a squad of players that EFL scouting departments should be keeping on their radar....
Goalkeepers
Veljko Ilic, 20 (Backa Topola)
The data - Ilic tops the clean sheet charts in this seasons Serbia's Super Liga with seven to his name and a save rate of 79.07% In eleven league games he has conceded nine goals from an xG of 11.36 giving him a prevented goals total of 2.36
The story - Ilic was part of the Crvena Zvezda youth setup but left and signed for Backa Topola ahead of the 2021/22 season. It was the following campaign that Ilic established himself in senior football, playing 3150 minutes as the clubs undoubted number one goalkeeper. He has continued to establish himself this season and has featured in his clubs UEFA Champions League qualifiers and Europa League campaign. Ilic has represented his country at youth level and is currently a part of the Under 21's setup.
The video - Ilic is approximately 6ft5, well built and right footed. Despite his large frame Ilic does well with low shots, he's brave and has good agility. Ilic prefers short distribution but will go medium to long range when required.
Contract expiry - 30/06/2025
Transfermarkt value - €1.50M
Possible destinations - Bristol City, Coventry, Hull, Norwich.
Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, 22 (Elfsborg)
The data - Valdimarsson has a prevented goals rate of 5.99, the best in the division and has kept 13 clean sheets with a save rate % of 77.89 from 95 shots faced.
The story - Valdimarsson began his senior career in his native Iceland at Grotta. By the time he moved to Elfsborg in 2021, Valdimarsson had already made 84 senior appearances. He made 5 appearances in his first Allsvenskan season, 14 in his second, he would've been an ever present this campaign but for missing one match through suspension. Valdimarsson has represented his country at U18, U19, & U21 level and has been called up to the senior squad but is yet to make his senior international debut. He started all of Iceland's under 21 matches at the most recent UEFA U21 Championships. Valdimarsson has been a major factor in Elfsborg title challenge, a key reason why they've conceded the least amount of goals and has been nominated for the Allsvenskan Best Goalkeeper award.
The video - Valdimarsson is approximately 6ft2. He has supreme reflexes from short range efforts and great agility. He is equally capable diving to his right and his left. He gets down very well to low efforts, predominantly with his hands, occasionally using his feet. He has good command of his penalty area and is capable with aerial duels but this area isn't as strong as his shot stopping. Valdimarsson prefers long and mid range distribution. He is more Goalkeeper than Sweeper Keeper.
Contract expiry - 31.12.2027
Transfermarkt value - €1.2M
Possible destinations - Hull, Bristol City, Norwich, Coventry, Millwall.
Right Backs
Alexander Jensen, 22 (Brommapojkarna)
The data - Jensen played in every match of his teams 2023 Allsvenskan campaign. In thirty appearances he scored twice and assisted five times from right wing back. Jensen had 2.69 progressive runs per 90, 4.53 crosses per 90, 0.82 key passes per 90, 75.27% accurate passes to final third and 8.52 progressive passes per 90.
The story - Jensen signed for his current club ahead of the 2023 Allsvenskan and has had a stellar season. Prior to this he spent three seasons with Fredericia in his native Denmark after coming through the youth setup at Vejle.
The video - Jensen is approximately 6ft and right footed. He is a forward thinking full back who looks to provide an overlap down the right hand side. Jensen has great crossing ability.
Contract expiry - 31/12/2025
Transfermarkt value - €600K
Possible destinations - Bristol City, Preston, QPR
Oliver Sonne, 23 (Silkeborg)
The data - Sonne has played the most minutes of all right backs in this seasons Danish Superliga. He has 11.59 successful defensive actions per 90 and 5.77 interceptions per 90.
The story - Sonne broke through to senior football at HB Koge before signing for current club Silkeborg ahead of the 2021/22 season where he has become a key part of their defence. Danish born Sonne has recently declared to play international football for Peru who he qualifies for through his maternal grandmother. He has been a part of recent international squads. Sonne is the nephew of 'supermodel' Helena Christensen and away from football he is also known for his modelling work.
The video - Sonne is approximately 6ft and right footed. Sonne is a strong 1v1 defender. He possess good pace which helps him back up attacks. In possession Sonne is capable of a wicked cross
Contract expiry - 30/06/2026
Transfermarkt value - €800K
Possible destinations - Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday
Left Backs
Derrick Kohn, 24 (Hannover 96)
The data - Kohn has three goals and two assists for Hannover 96 this season, operating predominantly as a left wing back. Kohn has 5.59 dribbles per 90 and 3.64 crosses per 90. Kohn also scored five goals last season.
The story - Kohn was part of the Hamburg youth setup until 2017 when Bayern Munich spent a fee to take him across Germany. Kohn spent three seasons at Munich, playing for the B team in 3.Bundesliga before he was released. He went on to sign for Eredivisie club Willem II and then returned to Germany with Hannover two seasons later who paid a fee of €500k for his services. Kohn represents Germany at youth level and is also able to represent Ghana.
The video - Kohn is approximately 5ft11 and left footed. Kohn loves to back up attacks down the left hand side. He's a superb dribbler who likes to commit his opponent before finding a yard of space for a whipped cross or through ball. Kohn gets up and down well, aided by his speed and stamina. He is a very well rounded player who is very adept defensively as well as offering an offensive threat.
Contract expiry 30/06/2025
Transfermarkt value - €2.8M
Possible destination - Leeds, Coventry.
Bartlomiej Wdowik, 23 (Jagiellonia)
The data - Wdowik is capable of the spectacular. He had eight goals in sixteen matches this season from an xG of 3.24. He has 5.29 interceptions/opp30 per 90 and 0.34 tackles/opp30 per 90.
The story - Wdowik broke through at Ruch Chorzow where he spent two seasons before signing for Jagiellonia in 2019. After a loan at Odra Opolr, Wdowik established himself as a fixture in the Jagiellonia team. He made his debut for Poland in the recent set of international fixtures.
The video - Wdowik is approximately 6ft and left footed. Wdowik possesses a stunning free kick weapon and great corner delivery Wdowik can operate anywhere down the left flank and is always positive and forward thinking. He likes to cross from mid range inside the opposition half. Wdowik is better going forward than he is defensively.
Contract expiry - 30/06/2025 (1yr option)
Transfermarkt value - €900k
Possible destinations - Leeds, Leicester
Centre backs
Marcel Ratnik, 19 (Olimpija Llubljana)
The data - Ratnik has blocked the most shots in the Slovenia 1.SNL this season with twenty-two, six more than his closest rival. He has 9.72 interceptions/opp30 per 90 and 7.63 long passes per 90 with a 61.79% success rate.
The story - Ratnik has spent his entire senior career at Olimpija and already has over sixty senior first team appearances. He has represented Slovenia at all youth levels from Under 15's to Under 21's
The video - Ratnik is approximately 6ft1 and right footed. He relishes 1v1 defending and doesn't mind been isolated against a wide player if he is dragged out of his central defensive position. He displays good positioning and is composed in possession.
Contract expiry - 30/06/2025
Transfermarkt value - €1.3M
Possible destinations - Norwich, Preston, West Brom
Midfielders
Tanner Tessmann, 22 (Venezia)
The data - Tessman has 8.02 recoveries per 90, 3.54 opponents half recoveries per 90 and 5.58 interceptions/opp 30 with 4.63 defensive duels per 90.
The story - Tessmann is a current USA Under 23 international. He started his career in the MLS with Dallas before making a €3.65M move to Venezia ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The video - Tessmann is approximately 6ft2 and right footed. He is a great all round midfielder. Tenacious and smart defensively with a great long passing range. He loves to switch play with a long diagonal. Tessmann strikes a fierce free-kick
Contract expiry - 30/06/2025
Transfermarkt value - €2.4M
Possible destination - Birmingham
Tochi Chukwuani, 20 (Lyngby)
The data - Chukwuani has 3.3 successful dribbles per 90, 4.13 final third passes per 90 and 70.9% forward pass accuracy.
The story - Chukwuani has represented Denmark at all youth age ranges from Under 15's through to Under 21's. Chukwuani spent his youth days at Nordsjaelland and made his senior breakthrough there, playing over thirty matches for the first team. He joined current club, Lyngby in 2022 and has made himself one of the best young midfielders in Denmark. His contract at Lyngby expires at the end of the season meaning he can sign a pre contract agreement elsewhere in January.
The video - Chukwuani is approximately 6ft3 and right footed. He is a tall, long strided runner who operates in central midfield and like to join in with attacks. Chukwuani is a capable dribbler with good energy, work rate and stamina.
Contract expiry -30/06/2024 Transfermarkt value - €700K
Possible destinations - Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, QPR, Watford
Toni Fruk, 22 (Rijeka)
The data - Fruk top the charts in Croatia 1.HNL for goal contributions. He has ten in total, two more than anybody else. They comprise of two goals and eight assists, four more assists than anyone else in the league. He has made eleven key passes and twelve smart passes, ranking second in the charts for both metrics. Fruk takes 2.32 shots per 90.
The story - Fruk represented Croatia at youth level from Under 14's through to Under 21's. He spent time in different youth setups, Osijek, Mouscron and then Fiorentina who paid €1.5M for his signature and where loans to Dubrava and Gorica over a three year spell seen him establish himself in the senior game. Funk signed for his current club Rijeka ahead of the current season and has been one of the most impressive players in the Croatian league.
The video - Fruk is approximately 5ft11 and right footed. He operates as either an advanced 8 or as a 10. Fruk loves to get on the ball and try to create. He's has great vision and good passing range, always looking to play forward. Fruk possess a lovely set-piece delivery.
Contract expiry - 15/06/2027
Transfermarkt value - €2M
Possible destinations - Southampton, Middlesbrough
Wingers/Wide-forwards
Jeppe Okkels, 24 (Elfsborg)
The data - Okkels has 4.3 crosses per 90 and a 62.26% dribble success rate. Okkels had seventeen goal contributions in last seasons Allsvenskan, tied third in the division.
The story - Okkels came through Silkeborg's youth setup before signing for current club Elfsborg in the 2020/21 season. Okkels represent Denmark in all age groups at youth level and now has over one hundred club appearances at Elfsborg
The video - Okkels is approximately 6ft1 and right footed. Okkels operates from the left. He is a very adept, technical dribbler with great balance and close ball control. He likes to find half a yard and whip in inswinging crosses although he is happy to go on the outside of his preferred route doesn't present itself.
Contract expiry - 31/12/2024
Transfermarkt value - €2.5M
Possible destinations - Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Stoke
Kevin Csoboth, 23 (Ujpest)
The data - Csoboth has 0.93 key passes per 90, 4.48 dribbles per 90 and 3.64 touches in box per 90.
The story - Csoboth began his career in his native Hungary before moving to Benfica at a young age for €150K, where he featured regularly for their B team. Csoboth returned to Hungary in 2021/22 and signed for Fehervar before getting loaned to Szeged. After one season he signed for current club Ujpest.
The video - Csoboth is approximately 5ft19 and right footed. He is a hard working wide man who can operate with both feet although his right is his preferred. Csoboth is unselfish and disciplined. He offers smart play going forward and helps out his full back when defending.
Contract expiry - 30/06/2027
Transfermarkt value - €850K
Possible destinations - Millwall, Stoke, Cardiff
Strikers
Sambou Soumano, 22 (Quevilly Rouen on loan from FC Lorient)
The data - Soumano has 2.43 shots per 90 and 4.35 touches in box per 90. He has scored six goals so far this season.
The story - Soumano is currently on loan to Quevilly Rouen from Lorient following previous loans at Eupen and Rodez. His contract expires at Lorient at the end of the season.
The video - Soumano's is approximately 6ft and right footed. He is a predatory poacher type of a forward. Four of his five goals this season are from in or very close to the six yard box. Soumano has very quick reactions which see him picking up goals from Goalkeeper parries and loose balls in the penalty area. Going back into footage form last season you can see that Soumano is good in tight spaces, using his balance and skills to create half a yard enabling him to get shots off where it looks unlikely. He shows lots of desire to attack headers in the penalty area. Soumano favours his right foot but is left is fine considering it's his weaker foot. There's plenty of reason to think Soumano would score even more goals in a team with better chance creation where he wouldn't be as reliant on fashioning chances for himself.
Contract expiry - 30/06/2024
Transfermarkt value - €800K
Possible destinations - West Brom, Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Stoke
Hopefully we see a couple of these players make moves in January. If you found this piece interesting or insightful please give it a share and a like wherever you found it.
@Brad8926 on X