Following a strong and proactive winter transfer window, Rotherham United now appear far better equipped for the battle to avoid relegation in League One. The Millers can head into the decisive second half of the season with renewed confidence, believing that the work done in January has given them a fighting chance of preserving their third-tier status.
Rotherham entered 2026 in a worrying position, firmly entrenched in the relegation conversation and desperately in need of reinforcements. When the transfer window opened, the club were enduring a prolonged winless run in League One, a sequence that eventually stretched to 11 matches. Injuries and a noticeable lack of depth and quality across the squad had taken their toll, leaving manager Matt Hamshaw with limited options and few solutions on the pitch.
Given those circumstances, a busy transfer window was not just desirable but essential. Rotherham needed to move players on while simultaneously improving the overall standard of the squad. While the lack of early deadline-day activity may have caused concern among supporters, the closing stages of the window proved productive. In the final hour before the deadline, the club announced the free-agent signing of Duncan Watmore and the loan capture of Lino Sousa, both deals squeezed in just in time.
Thanks to the EFL’s deal sheet system, Rotherham were not finished there. Further additions followed later in the evening, with young forward Gabriele Biancheri confirmed shortly after 7:30pm and versatile defender Brandon Cover announced later that night. These late moves ensured the Millers ended the window with six new arrivals, while four players departed.
The need to strengthen in attack had been particularly pressing. Loan spells for Kion Etete and Martin Sherif came to an end, while Jordan Hugill was sidelined by a long-term injury late in January. As a result, Hamshaw prioritised bolstering his forward options, bringing in Harry Gray, Watmore and Biancheri to refresh the attacking unit. This added depth is vital as Rotherham look to turn draws into wins and improve their goal output in crucial fixtures.
Defensive changes also formed part of the reshuffle. Thomas Holmes returned to Luton Town after a short loan spell, and Sean Raggett dropped down to League Two on loan with Cambridge United. To compensate, Emmanuel Adeboyega arrived on a permanent deal from Norwich City, offering a new option at the back. The Irish defender has already made an impact, scoring in a victory over Northampton Town despite being limited to substitute appearances so far.
One of the standout stories of the window has been the immediate impact of teenage loanee Harry Gray from Leeds United. Despite his age, the 17-year-old has adapted quickly to senior football, scoring twice in his first four League One outings and showing maturity beyond his years.
With the transfer window now closed, Rotherham’s focus turns entirely to the survival battle. The Millers currently sit 21st in the League One table, occupying the final relegation place. However, the margins are incredibly fine, with Rotherham level on points with Wigan Athletic and separated only by goal difference. In fact, just eight points divide 11th place from 23rd, underlining how pivotal every match will be in the weeks ahead.
Recent results offer encouragement, with Hamshaw’s side winning two and drawing one of their last three games. If that momentum can be maintained, and if the new signings continue to settle quickly, Rotherham United have every reason to believe they can climb out of danger and secure their place in League One for another season.
