5 Championship clubs who had the best January transfer window

The January transfer window has been and gone for another year, and the seemingly never ending scramble for players which takes place can now settle down until at least the summer.

While many clubs will be not be so pleased with their business and no doubt failed to capture identified targets, plenty of clubs did do the deals they wanted.

More money was spent in the Championship than ever before, with big money moves made by some of the star performers in the league to clubs either seeking immediate promotion or surviving the drop in to League One.

While it cannot be denied that the window is seen as somewhat of a merry go round and a sideshow to the actual football on show, there is no denying it provides fans and clubs alike with some excitement – especially if your club is active in the market.

Here, I take a look at FIVE Championship clubs who had the best January transfer window........

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 TEAMS!

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Middlesbrough

The Boro captured long term target and Championship hit man Jordan Rhodes on the final day, after a long drawn out process saw the move on, off, and then on again before the deadline hit.

His goals should now more or less guarantee promotion for a side already looking destined for the top flight.

They also added defensive experience in the form of versatile Leicester defender Richie De Laet, while Kike Sola and Julien De Sart arrived from Europe.

Aitor Karanka showed he meant business in the window, and with Steve Gibson once again backing his manager, promotion is surely not far away.

Bristol City

Bristol City went under the radar a bit. Despite missing out on a few targets, such as Zach Clough and Dwight Gayle, they did manage to bring in some crucial quality signings.

Scott Golbourne and Alex Pearce both arrived to shore up a leaky defence, while Ben Gladwin arrived from QPR to bring some much needed quality and strength in the middle of the park.

Richard O’Donnell made his move from Wigan a permanent one, while manager John Pemberton pulled off a real coup, bringing in Bournemouth striker Lee Tomlin on loan.

Tomlin especially could prove crucial in the fight for survival, as his goals and overall quality can be the difference in tight games down at the bottom.

Sheffield Wednesday

There is no denying Wednesday are a club on the up, and this window proved they mean business as they hunt a return to the Premier League.

Jack Hunt made his move permanent from Crystal Palace, while Joe Bennett also joined from Aston Villa to cover the other full back position.

Manager Carlos Carvalhal secured the signing of long term target Gary Hooper, bringing an end to a long saga where the Owls have chased him since the summer.

Arguably their best signing though came on deadline day, with Aiden McGeady joining from Everton. The winger, who has undoubted class, could be a real steal as the season draws to an end, and could well make the difference as they look to secure a playoff spot.

Birmingham City

What a job Gary Rowett is doing at Birmingham.

After selling Demarai Gray to Leicester, he used the money very wisely indeed to strengthen his squad.

Will Buckley arrived from Sunderland on loan, as well as Ryan Shotton from Derby on a similar deal.

Luke Maxwell joined for a nominal fee from Kidderminster, but the big signing for the Blues was that of ex-loanee Diego Fabbrini.

The Italian had been on loan at Middlesbrough from Watford, but had fallen out of favour. Rowett obviously saw the opportunity, and swooped for him in what looks like a bargain £1.5m move.