Wrexham Lead the Way in Welsh Window Clean up

Davis Keillor-Dunn of Barnsley. Pic. Alamy

Davis Keillor-Dunn of Barnsley. Pic. Alamy

There were mixed fortunes for Wales' four EFL clubs on transfer deadline day as plenty of business was conducted as Ian Mitchelmore reports.

For Wrexham, Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County, the focus now lies solely on returning to league action for the remaining months of the campaign.

But how do those four sides now look after the winter window?
Dragon Sports takes a closer look.

READ MORE: Ben Davies Could Still Make World Cup, Insists Wales Boss Craig Bellamy

Wrexham

As was the case in January 2025, Wrexham have made significant changes to their forward options in the winter market.

The additions of Bailey Cadamarteri from Sheffield Wednesday and Davis Keillor-Dunn from Barnsley paved the way for Ryan Hardie to head to Huddersfield Town on loan.

With Kieffer Moore, Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez also in their ranks, Phil Parkinson has plenty of firepower at his disposal for the remainder of the Championship run-in.

At the back, Conor Coady's loan switch to Charlton Athletic opened the door for Zak Vyner to move to the Stok Cae Ras from Bristol City, which, at £1.5m represents a smart piece of business.

But streamlining was the overall theme for the club following their squad overhaul in the summer.

Promotion heroes James McClean, Elliot Lee, Andy Cannon and Paul Mullin have all left while the likes of Mo Faal and Harry Ashfield will hope to benefit from game time on loan at Cheltenham.

Parkinson may well have hoped for an additional wing-back, but, that aside, the experienced manager will no doubt be more than pleased with his side's window which tees them up nicely to continue their push for a play-off spot.

READ MORE: Zak Vyner gets his Dream Move . . . Wrexham

Swansea City

Deadline day proved to be a quiet one for the Swans, and, crucially, there was no late drama.

Leo Walta moved to south Wales from Swedish outfit Sirius an hour after the 7pm deadline, initially on loan in a deal that is almost certain to be made permanent in the summer.

The Finnish midfielder has an impressive track record in attack having scored 16 goals in 30 appearances in the 2025 Swedish top-flight season.

Bobby Wales secured a loan move to League One Huddersfield and will hope to get some much-needed minutes under his belt before returning to Swansea in the summer, although that was it as far as deadline day was concerned.

Former Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward bolstered the defensive options earlier on, although an additional centre-back would have been ideal, even though Ricardo Santos failed to secure a move away from the club.

But more importantly for Vitor Matos, top scorer Zan Vipotnik and midfield maestro Ethan Galbraith remain in the building.

So while not perfect, it was a refreshingly sensible window for the club.

READ MORE: Vitor Matos Insists the Foundations are Being Laid at Swansea City

Cardiff City

The Bluebirds did not go mad in the window, and why would they?

Brian Barry-Murphy has previously spoken of his preference to work with a smaller squad, and after a relatively quiet summer in terms of incomings, it was more of the same in the mid-season market.

Goalkeeper Harry Tyrer joined on a permanent deal from Everton as Cardiff had a firm eye on the future while for the short-term, left-back Calum Scanlon joined on loan from reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.

The additions of Caden Voice from Wolves, Herbie James Tottenham Hotspur and Isaac Davies from Nottingham Forest also bolstered the ranks with the future in mind.

Dakarai Mafico, Tanatswa Nyakuwha, Troy Perrett and Kion Etete were among those sent out on loan to seek regular game time.

So there was much to like for the Cardiff faithful who can get back to enjoying gazing at the summit of the League One table in what is shaping into a memorable campaign for the club.

READ MORE: Calum Scanlon is a Cardiff City Fan

Newport County

The Exiles were certainly busy in the window, but it remains to be seen whether or not Christian Fuchs has enough at his disposal to keep the Exiles in the Football League.

The losses of Sammy Braybrooke and Cameron Antwi represented real blows, but Newport swiftly set about finding replacements as the likes of Harrison Biggins, Ryan Delaney, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and James Crole moved to Rodney Parade.

Their final incoming was the loan capture of midfielder Sven Sprangler from Scottish side St Johnstone, but there were still plenty of other notable exits.

Kai Whitmore's contract was terminated by mutual consent as goalkeeper Nik Tzanev was allowed to secure a permanent switch to Huddersfield.

Experience can be key when it comes to battling relegation, and the mid-season retirement of experienced defender James Clarke did little to boost Newport's chances of survival.

It means Fuchs still has it all to do as he bids to ensure the Exiles can preserve their League Two status this season.

READ MORE: Newport Errors Have to Stop, Warns Christian Fuchs . . . or Else We’re in for a Tough Season

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