EFL transfer deadline day descended into 'chaos' as clubs juggled deals alongside a full fixture schedule. Norwich City's sporting director Ben Knapper described the situation as 'unnecessary pressure' and 'logistical challenges,' with 27 games across the Championship, League One, and League Two finishing just an hour before the window closed. This was the first such clash in 22 years, with only five games played in August 2004.

Knapper, working from a room at the bet365 Stadium during Norwich's 1-0 loss to Stoke City, said EFL clubs agree the timing was 'far from ideal.' Colchester United manager Danny Cowley was more critical, calling it 'crazy' and questioning the lack of planning. 'Do they not have calendars?' he asked, noting lower-league clubs have fewer staff to manage transfers.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho called it 'slightly strange,' while Knapper also criticized the window staying open into the season, saying he'd prefer it to close before the campaign starts. He acknowledged finding a solution is 'complex,' as the EFL must align with the Premier League and other leagues on different calendars.

Knapper was still working on a loan deal for Amankwah Forson to Hapoel Be'er Sheva until Thursday, highlighting the extended pressure on clubs.