The summer window isn’t open yet but that hasn’t stopped the League One transfer news from filtering through the media over the last week.
Birmingham City and Wrexham have already confirmed their place in the Championship next season whilst Stockport County, Leyton Orient, Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic continue to battle in the play-offs with all still to play for in the second leg.
We also unfortunately say goodbye to Crawley Town, Cambridge United, Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town.
League One Transfer News and Retained Lists Flood In
With the EFL deadline for retained lists fast approaching clubs have begun releasing their updates to the public. The rules state that clubs have until the third Saturday in May (17th) to inform players that are out of contract whether they will be offered a new deal or not with play-off sides given additional time amounting to four days after their final game. Whilst there is no requirement for clubs to make this public by this date, most will usually do so.
We have so far had Barnsley, Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, Bristol Rovers, Cambridge United, Crawley Town, Exeter City, Huddersfield Town, Mansfield Town, Northampton Town, Peterborough United, Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town release theirs so far.
Some notable names include Jack Sparkes, Jordan Gabriel, Kabongo Tshimanga, TJ Eyoma, Hiram Boateng, Josh Koroma, Jonathan Hogg, Cheick Diabate, Tyreece John-Jules and Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Paudie O’Connor Transfer Battle
Whilst the Imps have yet to release their retained list, one name expected to be top of the list is captain Paudie O’Connor. THE DECK revealed that the Imps had offered the defender a new deal that was described as a “good” offer for the club, but with competition from Derby County and Stoke City amongst others set to give him the opportunity to step up it is unlikely that he will remain at Sincil Bank.
Michael Skubala was insistent, speaking to the BBC’s Red Imps Club that there was still a chance he could re-sign with the club but reports elsewhere have suggested that Huddersfield Town and Barnsley could also offer him a way out.
Gabriel in Demand
Blackpool have released their retained list with Jordan Gabriel being a notable addition. When Steve Bruce joined the club earlier in the season, it appeared as though the defender had found a spot in the first team, but seemingly lost his place as the season progressed only to find himself a free agent.
However, THE DECK exclusively revealed that Reading, Doncaster Rovers, Notts County and Burton Albion were all interested in potentially signing the right-sided defender this summer. There is also expected to be interest from elsewhere with Oxford United and Lincoln City previously linked in previous windows.
Lincoln City Exodus This Summer
We have already mentioned the potential departure of Paudie O’Connor this summer from Lincoln City, but two more players could be following him out of the exit door.
Irishman Sean Roughan’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but due to his age and the length of time he has spent at Sincil Bank a sizeable compensation fee would have to be agreed to secure his signature. According to reports earlier in the week, this is exactly what has happened. Bolton Wanderers are the club that have been most heavily linked, but several League One sides were understood to be in the race.
Another on his way out is talented midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who could be set to depart in a club-record deal if reports are to be believed. The Lincoln City man has been a vital cog in Michael Skubala’s side and is on a long-term deal meaning a feel would likely have to reach seven figures to tempt him to the club. Derby County are one of several clubs who will reportedly try to secure his services this summer.
Leyton Orient Not Allowing Play-Offs to Get in the Way
Despite not knowing which league the club will be playing in this year, Leyton Orient have been linked to soon-to-be out-of-contract midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce who has reportedly rejected a new contract at St. Mirren. The former Birmingham City man has previously been at Middlesbrough.
Huddersfield Town Manager Confusion
Reports emerged last week that The Terriers had offered their vacant manager job to former boss David Wagner as they look to replace interim boss Jon Worthington. That has yet to materialise, with conflicting news suggesting other names for the position including St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson. Whether this means that Wagner is out of the running or if they are still looking at alternative options whilst the details are being formalised remains to be seen.
Birmingham City and Wrexham to “Spend Big”
The two sides who have confirmed their promotion to the Championship are reportedly set to spend big this summer, as they battle it out with some of the relegated Premier League sides and even some of the smaller sides in the top-flight for transfers. Both clubs know that the step up between League One, and the Championship is enormous as the funds needed to compete in the second tier gulf in comparison. Both clubs have been used to winning this season and will be wanting to continue that good feeling heading into 2025/26.