League One Side Agree Fee For Gateshead Star

League One side Exeter City have reportedly agreed a fee to sign Gateshead midfielder Ed Francis, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 24-year-old had played a crucial role for Gateshead last season, helping the club to secure a play-off place as well as being apart of their FA Trophy journey, which led to the club winning via penalties at Wembley Stadium last month.

However, his future at the National League side looks set to come to an end as he closes in on a switch to League One side Exeter City, currently managed by Gary Caldwell.

How did Francis fare last season?

The midfielder has been a regular feature for the National League side since his arrival from Notts County last summer, following their subsequent promotion into the EFL.

Francis made 40 league appearances for Gateshead last season, but injury saw him miss out on the chance to feature at Wembley Stadium.

In terms of his in-depth statistics, Francis averaged a passing success rate of 89% over the course of the National League campaign as well as 9.2 ball recoveries and 4.2 interceptions per 90 minutes.

Would Francis be a good fit for Exeter?

Francis was a part of a very successful footballing side at Gateshead, with Rob Elliott’s men averaging 62% ball possession per 90 which was the highest in the division, as well as 500 accurate passes per game too.

His ability on the ball will be welcomed highly by Gary Caldwell, as he looks to build an Exeter City side that can keep the ball well in League One next season.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the two clubs have now agreed an undisclosed fee for the midfielder, with the next steps now likely to be a medical and personal terms ahead of confirmation of the move to the football club.