Exeter City have submitted an offer to sign Gateshead midfielder Ed Francis this summer, according to a report by journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 24-year-old played a crucial role for the National League side last season, helping the club to secure a top-seven finish as well as becoming victorious in the 2023/24 FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium despite missing the match due to injury.
As a result of the impressive nature of his performances last season, League One Exeter have made an undisclosed offer to try and secure his signature ahead of rival EFL interest.
How did Francis fair last season?
First under Mike Williamson and then Rob Elliott, Francis played a crucial role for Gateshead last season.
He made 40 appearances in the National League last season for Gateshead, scoring three goals and providing four additional assists for the football club as they reached the play-off places although they were ineligible to compete.
In terms of Francis’ in-depth statistics last season, he averaged a passing success rate of 89% for the club, averaging 1.2 key passes, 9.2 ball recoveries and 4.2 interceptions per 90 minutes for the club in the National League.
Would Francis suit Exeter?
Gary Caldwell’s side finished 13th in League One last season, but with the quality of the division increasing this season, clubs like Exeter are likely to be active in the transfer market to ensure their side aren’t dragged into a potential relegation battle.
Francis is only 24 but has earned plenty of first-team minutes at Gateshead and came within touching distance of helping his side reach the EFL.
He likes the ball at his feet and his high passing success rate has proven that he is controlled when he has the ball and has the intelligence of when to play a pass and when to hold onto the ball and wait for options.
With Exeter losing Harry Kite, Francis would add quality back into the midfield area and improve their depth and could potentially begin to apply a possession-based style with more success.