After missing out on promotion to League One after a play-off semi-final defeat, Notts County are looking to build a squad capable of going one better in the 2025-26 season.
The Magpies are reportedly set to beat Port Vale and Walsall to the signing of Carlisle United striker, Matthew Dennis. The 23 year old is set to leave the side relegated from League Two when his contract expires at the end of the month.
With the transfer window open, Dennis is rumoured to have a medical booked in at Meadow Lane with a view to signing for the League Two side ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Who is Matthew Dennis?
The attacker started his career in the Arsenal and Norwich City academies but failed to make a first team appearance for either side. After an impressive loan spell in the National League with Southend United, Dennis signed for Milton Keynes Dons in 2022.
The 23 year old had loan spells at Sutton United and Rochdale during his time with the Dons. After scoring 11 goals in 46 appearances for the Buckinghamshire side, Dennis’ contract was terminated by mutual consent in February, allowing him to join Carlisle United on a deal until the end of the season.
Despite impressing for the Cumbrian side, the former Arsenal academy graduate was not able to save the club from relegation to the National League. With his short-term deal coming to an end this month, a number of clubs have been linked with Dennis and reports have suggested that Notts County are set to secure his signature ahead of Port Vale and Walsall.
What could Matthew Dennis bring to Notts County?
Dennis managed to have a good impact at Brunton Park despite the club’s relegation to the National League. The attacker scored six goals in his 14 appearances for the Cumbrian side from an expected goals (xG) figure of 6.60.
When looking at those goals, it shows that Dennis is an all round attacker having scored two goals with his left foot, right foot and head. He provided a consistent threat for Mark Hughes’ side having an average of 2.87 shots per 90 minutes with 1.08 of these on target.
Another attribute of Dennis’ that he could bring to Meadow Park is his ability to beat opposition defenders in 1v1 situations. He was among the best in his position in League Two for dribbles last season having had a 60% dribble success rate with an average of 1.34 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
His finishing and dribbling ability allow him to provide versatility to the sides he has played for. Despite predominantly playing as the central striker for Carlisle, the 23 year old can also play in a wide attacking position which would provide Notts County flexibility in attacking areas.
Is Matthew Dennis a good signing for Notts County?Â
Notts County are depleted in attacking areas after the departure of David McGoldrick and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Alexandra Jatta. With this in mind, the Magpies will need to bolster their attack this summer should they be aiming for promotion next season.
One of the reasons why Dennis could be a good signing is because of the clubs he has played for previously. Both Rochdale and Milton Keynes Dons play high possession based football which Notts County are known for as well.
With this in mind, Dennis’ integration into the Notts County side may be seamless, allowing him to hit the ground running at Meadow Lane. On top of this, at the age of 23 the attacker has the potential for further development if he gets settled into the Magpies’ side.
The reason why some may be sceptical about Dennis’ signing is because of his overall record in the fourth tier. The attacker’s goalscoring record at League Two level is not the most prolific having scored an average of a goal every four games across spells at MK Dons, Sutton and Carlisle.
Despite this, performances during his short spell at Carlisle suggest that, should he be given a run of games at Notts County, he may be able to add more goals to his game next season. Signing Dennis brings versatility and diversity to Notts County’s attack which will likely benefit them in their quest for promotion next season.
