With the January transfer window open, speculation has turned to possible moves both in and out of League One. And for Huddersfield Town, all the talk has been around one man: Leo Castledine.
The Chelsea loanee has been electric for the Terriers this season, spearheading their attacking efforts, which has kept them in touch with the chase for the playoffs at the midway point of the season.
However, that form has generated interest from Championship clubs to sign the 20-year-old, with Castledine’s parent club willing to recall him from West Yorkshire and complete a permanent sale.
So, with a good chance of Lee Grant losing his player of the season so far, what alternatives could him and Huddersfield Town owner Kevin Nagle turn to in the January market?
Alfie Harrison, Newcastle United
Sticking with loan recruitment could work in the short term for Huddersfield, and a great alternative could be considered in Newcastle United‘s Alfie Harrison.
At 20 years old, Harrison is at the point in his career where he will want to get some game time in senior football after an impressive campaign in the Premier League 2 this season.
A terrific strike from Alfie Harrison! 🎯 #NUFC https://t.co/4FdUw8Vmnp pic.twitter.com/8LCqOFMHMB
— Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) November 11, 2025
The former Manchester City man, who played against Town in the EFL Trophy this season with the Magpies, is joint-top of the assisting charts in the youth division with five.
His contract expires at St. James’ Park this summer, and interest from some Championship clubs is appearing, according to Sky Sports. Taking him on loan now to test the waters before making that permanent on a free transfer could be an astute deal.
Louie Barry, Aston Villa
After two failed loan moves to the Championship, taking a step back down to League One could put Louie Barry back on the right track after injury and selection issues.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side are extremely unlikely to promote Barry at this stage of the season with Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers spearheading their push towards Champions League football next season.
Can you believe Stockport had Louie Barry in League 2, never mind League 1 😳 pic.twitter.com/luoVmK0k5T
— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) August 18, 2024
Indeed, it is expected that the former Hull City man will make a return to the third tier this season, with The Football Deck exclusively revealing that Barry is set for a loan move this January.
Should Castledine move on, Barry is a proven asset in League One and while they will face competition from clubs including former side Stockport County, Town’s ambitions of promotion may get them a real gem.
Lucá Williams-Barnett, Tottenham Hotspur
The 17-year-old may be viewed as too young to make a step into senior football, but he has been impressive enough for Thomas Frank to finally give him a spot in a Tottenham Hotspur matchday squad against Brentford.
Williams-Barnett, who is a current England Under-18 international, has the most goals and assists of any player in the Premier League 2 this campaign, and has been ruthless in the UEFA Youth League, including scoring five goals against Slavia Prague.
Luca Williams-Barnett 😮💨✨pic.twitter.com/YwjglgxcuH
— Tottenham Tiers (@TottenhamTiers) November 7, 2025
While his inexperience may mean it is a big gamble for any club to make, taking a chance on a younger attacking midfielder while also having more senior options available could work out handsomely.
Kyrell Lisbie, Peterborough United
Already linked with a move elsewhere in League One with Cardiff City interested, a good alternative to a Castledine loss could be strengthening their options in wider areas.
Lisbie has been a bright spot in an otherwise dour season at London Road, and that was perfectly exemplified at the weekend with Lisbie scoring and assisting in Posh’s 5-2 loss to Lincoln City.
Already making good on his promise while playing for National League side Braintree Town, Lisbie is still new to the EFL but has proven he is more than capable of performing at this level and could go further.
Right foot ✅
Header ✅
Left foot ✅The perfect hat-trick for Kyrell Lisbie… 🔥#pufc pic.twitter.com/ssCOLMkCY2
— Peterborough United (@theposh) September 30, 2025
Chance creation has been a real strength for the 22-year-old, and has taken 100 touches in the opposition box, one of the highest for wingers in League One. A move for the Peterborough man could bolster the Terrier’s final third efficiency.
Kelly Nmai, Salford City
Someone who is versatile as a left winger, striker and as an attacking midfielder, Kelly Nmai has been electric in League Two but has not yet made the step up to the third division.
A key creative force for an Ammies side challenging for promotion this season, the Dutchman has bundles of pace at his disposal and is currently in a rich vein of form, with six goals and assists in as many games right now.
So good to see this man back flying down the wing ⚡️
Kelly Nmai has been selected in the League Two Team of the Week for his performance against Crewe 🏆
Keep it up, @kellnmai10 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ovp3ODLFOt
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) March 10, 2025
League One clubs have shown interest in him in the past, with Bolton Wanderers reportedly making bids for the 21-year-old over the summer as well as fleeting interest from Peterborough United as they looked for a Kwame Poku replacement.
Nmai stands out in League Two for both his passing play and dribbling ability, which could make him a great signing to feed Bojan Radulovic rather than replace Leo Castledine’s outstanding goalscoring form.
