The EFL transfer window slammed shut yesterday, putting an end to a summer of speculation, rumours and desperate deals. However, many clubs in League One will not have been able to secure all the targets they had hoped for to fill the gaps in their squad. Injuries and poor form of some players in the first few games may have also forced clubs to look at alternative options.
However, with the window closed, clubs will now have to look to the free-agent market if they want to solve any issues in their team. The free agent market can be a minefield, with injuries, form and even wage demands often becoming a stumbling block for those who are on the lookout for a club.
As such, we have taken a look at five potential free agent options for clubs in League One.
Five League One Free Agent Options
Aaron Lewis – Recent Club: Mansfield Town
28-year-old Aaron Lewis has recently been released by League One Mansfield Town after making 133 appearances for the club, following his move from Newport County in 2023. With 86 League One appearances and 124 League Two appearances, the Welshman is an experienced option that clubs may choose to bolster their squad. Lewis reportedly turned down numerous contract offers from the Stags in the summer, after transfer interest from Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle in the summer.
However, with the window closing, he has yet to find a club. Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone decided against signing him after a trial and fellow League One side Bradford City favoured Reece Welch over the versatile player.
Ben Elliott – Recent Club: Reading FC
Elliott suffered a season-ending injury for Reading in October 2025. There was some hope in January, when the 23-year-old returned to training. But a recurrence of his thigh problem meant he couldn’t return to the first-team squad that season.
At the end of the campaign, Elliott was offered by the club to return for pre-season following his recovery, but opted to pursue other options. As of the close of the window, the 23-year-old former Chelsea youth, is still without a club.
Joe Ralls – Recent Club: Plymouth Argyle
Ralls is a seasoned professional, almost 400 Championship appearances and 28 in the Premier League. He was released by Cardiff in 2025 and joined Plymouth Argyle a few months later on a short term contract.
However, after extending his deal with the Pilgrims, he suffered an injury set back with prevented him from contributing more than 10 appearances before he was released. Ralls was offered a new deal by the club, but as yet has not signed for any club.
Dominic Iorfa – Recent Club: Sheffield Wednesday
With over 250 Championship appearances and nearly 60 in League One, signing Iorfa may be considered a coup for many in League One. He was released by Sheffield Wednesday as they prepared for a season in League One. With no reported second tier interest, a move to a League One club could be a natural fit, to make sure he has a club for the new season and rebuild at an important stage of his career.
The former Wolves, Ipswich, Shrewsbury and Southend player could become a realistic option for those looking for an experienced center back.
Jordan Ayew – Recent Club: Leicester City
The fact that Jordan Ayew, who boasts 305 Premier League appearances, 42 Premier League goals, 159 Ligue 1 appearances and 31 Ligue 1 goals is on this list at all is remarkable.
Unfortunately for Ayew, he was part of the unremarkable Leicester City side that were relegated from the Championship to League One last season as well as being part of the squad that was relegated from the Premier League the season before. Despite appearing in this summer’s World Cup, he is yet to find a new club.
There is no doubt he has talent, experience and ability. However, at the age of 34, following a disastrous campaign last time out, Ayew might be tempted to test himself in the third tier. But with his experience and ability, likely comes a cost, and there is no guarantee he will be willing to continue to compete, in what is a much more physical and at times brutal league.