42 free agents have joined up with the Professional Footballers’ Association for week eight of pre-season. It was set up by the PFA to help support players without a club in the months of June, July, and August. Players such as Sam Lavelle, Angus Gunn and John Swift have all used the it this summer to keep their fitness levels up before joining Grimsby Town, Nottingham Forest and Portsmouth, respectively. We take a look at the standout players who have joined up for week eight of the PFA Pre-season.
3 PFA Pre Season Players EFL Clubs Should Sign
Fabio Borini
The most notable player on the list, Fabio Borini, has been without a club since leaving Serie B side Sampdoria. In his first season, Borini notched nine goals and assisted three times in 23 appearances. A poor showing last season followed, however, with the Italian scoring once in 15 appearances. The 34-year-old is most known in England for his time with Liverpool, Sunderland, and Chelsea. His best season came in 2013/2014, when Borini scored 10 times and assisted three times for the Black Cats.
The Italian is past his best now, and with his career edging closer to its end, a short-term move is looking most likely if he is to be snapped up by a club. It’s worth noting that Borini hasn’t played in England since 2017, after being part of a relegated Sunderland side.
Adam Reach
Next up on this list is Adam Reach. The 32-year-old last played for Wycombe Wanderers. Reach was in the same situation this time last year, after departing West Bromwich Albion in June 2024. It wasn’t until February of this year that Reach signed a short-term contract with the Chairboys. He made 12 appearances as Wycombe failed to secure promotion back to the EFL Championship.
It’s surprising that Reach has only made 12 appearances in the last 12 months. His versatility and experience are key traits that can add lots of value to EFL clubs. A player who has racked up over 300 Championship appearances and still has a few years left in him, we are shocked that an EFL League One or League Two side has not snapped him up on a one or even two-year deal. Will Reach remain without a club until February again?
Britt Assombalonga
The third and final player on this list, Britt Assombalonga, is a name familiar to EFL fans. The 32-year-old started his professional career at Watford, before moving on to the likes of Peterborough United, Nottingham Forest, and Middlesbrough. It was Peterborough where the forward first made a name for himself, scoring 23 times as Posh made the League One play-offs. A move to Forest ensued, where Assombalonga became a real fan favourite at the City Ground. The Congolese striker played 18 times in the Turkish second division last season, only scoring three.
Like Reach, Assombalonga still has a few years left in him and a short term move to League One or League Two would be the most realistic option. However, wages could be an issue.