With the climax of the EFL league seasons yesterday, a number of players will be looking forward to next season to see how their careers can progress.
One of the most important aspects of a transfer window for EFL sides is loan signings. A number of clubs make the most of the ability to improve their squad with talent from higher up the pyramid.
This article will take a look at five EFL players loan players from the 2024-25 season who could make an impact at their parent club during the 2025-26 season.
Charlie Kelman – Leyton Orient (on loan from Queens Park Rangers)
Kelman has had the best spell of his career whilst on loan at Leyton Orient during the 2024-25 season. The striker finished the season as League One’s top scorer having bagged 21 goals from 46 league appearances, with only one penalty in this total.
The 23 year old provided a consistent goal threat for the East London side with an average of 2.94 shots per 90 minutes with 1.35 of these shots on target. Kelman’s 21 goals have come from an expected goals figure of 18.6 xG which showcases his capability to finish difficult chances in front of goal.
One of the reasons why Kelman could have an impact at QPR next season is the West London side’s lack of attacking options. The Hoops’ top scorer during 2024-25 was Michael Frey with eight goals.
QPR are joint 12th for goals scored in the Championship with 1.2 goals per game on average. On top of this, they are ranked fourth worst for expected goals with 46.8 xG across the season.
This shows the need QPR have for a goalscorer who can finish difficult chances which is what Kelman could offer. It is highly unlikely that Kelman will be loaned out again next season and it may well be that his loan spell with Orient has given life to his QPR career.
Josh Stokes – Cambridge United (on loan from Bristol City)
An attacker who has had his first taste of EFL football this season could push on again with his parent club next season. Stokes has spent the season on loan at Cambridge from Bristol City and shown glimpses of his talent in a season that ended in relegation for the League One side.
Across the season, Stokes scored seven goals and registered two assists with an average of 0.27 goals per 90 minutes. He has provided a creative spark for the U’s as well with an average of 1.45 chances created per match.
The 21 year old predominately plays in an attacking midfield role but has the capability to play in the wide areas as well. Stokes has progressed rapidly over the past few seasons having played in the Isthmian League North for AFC Sudbury in 2023.
His rise up the leagues and ability to perform at higher levels is something that Bristol City manager Liam Manning highlighted at the start of the 2024-25 season:
“He’s one of those where we’ve seen his qualities, we think he’s going to be a really good player for us”
Should Bristol City fail to win promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, then Stokes will most likely be given a chance to claim a place in the Robins team next season. His career progression is a similar trajectory to Alex Scott who moved from Guernsey to Bristol City before moving to the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth.
Matthew Young – Salford City (on loan from Sunderland)
Another player with his first taste of EFL football this season could be set for a jump up the pyramid next season.
Goalkeeper Matthew Young featured during the second half of the season at Salford but seemingly had a big impact on the League Two side. The 18 year old shot-stopper made 20 appearances for the Ammies this season.
During this time, Young conceded 18 goals at an average of 0.9 per match and kept eight clean sheets. This form from the Sunderland loanee allowed Salford to progress up the division and go into the last game of the season with a play-off place in their hands.
The 18 year old is comfortable fulfilling the duties expected from a modern day goalkeeper as well. His distribution has allowed him to complete an average of 8.9 accurate long balls per 90 minutes and he has acted as a sweeper 20 times during his spell in goal.
Despite playing two divisions below his parent club this season, it may be that the Black Cats will see the potential Young has. The club could place their faith in the youngster should they miss out on promotion to the Premier League.
With reports linking Sunderland’s current goalkeeper, Anthony Paterson, with a move to Southampton a space will potentially open up between the sticks for the North East club. With the North East side’s faith being placed in their youth (the Black Cats have an average squad age of 23.9 years), it may be that Young will be able to force his way into the side during the 2025-26 season.
Manor Solomon – Leeds United (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
A key member of Leeds’ title winning squad may fancy his chances of making an impact in North London next season after his performances for the Yorkshire side. Solomon made a total of 38 appearances in the Championship this season with 22 goal contributions.
The 25 year old has been crucial to getting Leeds’ promotion secured over the last month with three goals and five assists in their last six games. Over the course of the season, the Israeli international has been a consistent threat to opposition defenders.
Solomon has created an average of 5.11 shot-creating actions and completed 5.01 progressive carries per 90 minutes for Leeds. His ability to beat opposition defenders in 1v1 situations is highlighted in his average of 2.43 successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
The 25 year old may end up leaving North London if Leeds were willing to invest in the attacker. However, Solomon may believe he has the capability of having an impact on a Spurs side who love to attack and score goals.
With the potential for European football, should Tottenham win the UEFA Europa League, there will likely be a demand for a bigger squad. This demand coupled with his impressive 2024-25 season statistics suggest that Solomon could break into the Tottenham squad next season and play a part in their revival after a disappointing 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Omotayo Adaramola – Bradford City (on loan from Crystal Palace)
A young defender who could benefit from his impressive performances in League One and Two is Omotayo Adaramola. The young defender has appeared for Stockport County and most recently Bradford City during the 2024-25 season.
The 21 year old made six appearances for Stockport in League One and 16 for Bradford in League Two. Adaramola made 1.31 and 2.13 successful tackles on average per 90 minutes for Bradford and Stockport respectively.
During his time in League One, the Crystal Palace loanee won 63.6% of his duels and completed 64.7% of dribbles. This ability suggests he has the capability to defend well in 1v1 situations and beat his opposition in order to get his team up the field.
Adaramola has had top flight experience during his loan spell with Belgian First Division side RWD Molenbeek last season. On top of this, the 21 year old has played in high pressure environments at Valley Parade during their promotion run in which is something the Palace hierarchy might be impressed by.
It would be a huge jump for the 21 year old to make an instant impact at Selhurst Park next season. However, with a potential move away from Palace for Tyrick Mitchell there may be an opportunity for Adaramola to stake his claim for a place in the side during pre-season.
Palace have a history of giving opportunities to their academy players with Mitchell making his debut at the age of 17. Should the Eagles win the FA Cup and qualification for European football, there is likely to be a need for a bigger squad and therefore an opportunity for Adaramola to stake his claim on a squad place ahead of the 2025-26 season.