6 Players Doncaster Rovers Could Target This Transfer Window – Opinion

Doncaster Rovers, will be keen to put their play-off semi-final heartache behind them. Their impressive form late into the season wasn’t enough as Grant McCann’s side prepare for another season in League Two.

Rovers have already made several signings despite the transfer window being in its infancy. The permanent return of Hull City’s right fullback Tom Nixon is a highlight for the club, alongside the experience of both Harry Clifton (Grimsby Town) and Jordan Gibson (Carlisle United) and the potential of the highly rated and highly sought after Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors) . That is alongside loanees Ephraim Yeboah (Bristol City) and Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea).

According to Grant McCann via the Doncaster Free Press, a seventh arrival is on its way, he said “We feel (we) need possibly one more in a certain area and we’re working very hard to do that. Then as pre-season goes on maybe one or two younger ones will go out on loan for their development purposes.”

What’s missing from the Doncaster Rovers squad so far? 

Taking into account the possibility that the likes of Jack Degruchy, Tavonga Kuleya and Jack Goodman are probably going out on loan for development and for more regular game time, alongside the transfer listing of Deji Sotona, it’s obvious that another attacking talent is needed, either across the wings or upfront as a striker to compete with the returning George Miller and the talented goalscorer Joe Ironside.

Another area in the midfield that I feel the club lacks in is height. George Broadbent is currently the club’s tallest midfielder at 1.88m (6ft 1in) and I feel a strong and physical midfielder, with the height to be able to also strengthen the club’s attacking approach to set pieces, could add some variety and some strong competition in that position.

Example Players – Versatile Attackers 

Dajaune Brown (CF/RW) – Derby County U21s (Loan Deal) 

Dajaune Brown (Derby County) – In terms of loan options, one attacking talent that springs to mind is ex-Gateshead loanee, Dajaune Brown. The Derby County attacker is adaptable on the right but is usually best used as a centre forward. There is an opportunity there though to develop him as a pressing striker or an attacking midfielder with his pace, his runs off the shoulder of the last defender, his directness, his energy and his fluent movement around the pitch. This loan would be an exciting deal, as he provides the club with a true impact player either off the bench or starting some games in league and cup competitions.

Mark O’Mahony (ST) – Brighton and Hove Albion U21s (Loan Deal) 

Teenage Irish striker Mark O’Mahony is considered one of Brighton’s next elite talents to come up from their academy. Ten goals in eleven appearances in the Premier League 2 division, including nine goals in seven consecutive league matches, is an incredible goal record for the campaign and his confident hold-up play, incisive passing and his finishing ability make him standout as one of the academies brightest stars and also one of many youth players who needs a senior loan deal in the English Football League to gain senior football experience.

Ellis Taylor (LW/RW/RB) – Sunderland (Permanent Deal – Out Of Contract) 

With one of Doncaster’s star players being an ex-Hartlepool United talent and ex-Sunderland youth prospect, I felt there was another player on the same path that would flourish in the red and white hoops. Sunderland’s outgoing winger Ellis Taylor fits the bill for a long-term winger option; versatile, direct, full of pace and energy, technically decent and overall, someone who needs a proper breakthrough. A manager like Grant McCann would trust him with game time and I feel Ellis Taylor has the capabilities to grow and develop as a Doncaster Rovers player.

Example Players – Physical, Tall Midfielders

Paul Digby (CDM/CM) – Cambridge United (Permanent Deal – Out Of Contract In Summer 2025) 

Born in Sheffield, Cambridge United’s central midfielder Paul Digby immediately stands out, both geographically and also in terms of the profile of the player he is. An experienced player who’s adaptable in the defensive midfield and the central midfield roles respectively, displaying great physicality, a 73% pass success percentage in League One and showcasing in a Cambridge side that survived relegation by four points in the previous campaign that he’s capable of doing his job effectively. His contract doesn’t run out until summer 2025 so bringing him to the Eco-Power Stadium would require a fee and his dedication and loyalty to League One Cambridge United would concern any potential approaches from any football club.

Taelor O’Kane (CDM/CM) – AFC Fylde (Permanent Contract) 

Taelor O’Kane has been dubbed the “Non-League Rodri” and there’s no surprise why. The teenager is a simple player who won’t over-complicate anything in possession and his football intelligence at this age is that of a senior level. This permanent deal would provide Doncaster Rovers with a long-term option in the midfield to eventually take over from the experienced Ben Close and new signing Harry Clifton. He settles the tempo and rhythm of the game to his liking, favours shorter and/or simpler passes and his fluency on the ball makes him an extremely valuable asset if Rovers were to target this player for a potential summer transfer.

Kane Taylor (CDM/CM/LB) – Manchester City (Loan Deal) 

Birmingham-born Kane Taylor is a versatile midfielder amongst the ranks at the Etihad Stadium and his four goals and one assist in 19 Premier League 2 appearances shows he knows where the back of the net is. Capable of playing in the number 6 role, in addition to his ability to cover as a left fullback and a centre back, he is a fluent and creative player who is able to slice through opposition defences with the greatest of ease, with his tricky footwork, his graceful technique on the ball, his comfortability on and off the ball and his drive and determination in attacking areas as well as in transition from defence to attack.

Aaron Challoner Example Team – Doncaster Rovers

In Summary 

It’s fair to say that Doncaster Rovers definitely have at least one more signing in the works for the rest of this summer transfer window. Any of the choices here could be star signings for the football club and players that would help Grant McCann mount a potential title challenge this upcoming season.

However, with how tight League Two is and how many teams are going to be trying to gain automatic promotion to League One, it’s going to be a real ask for Doncaster Rovers to become out-and-out winners of the division by a considerable distance. But we shall see in time how the 2024/25 League Two season plays out and how these new acquisitions do at their new homes.