Birmingham go big + 33 transfers in the Championship, League One and League Two
Birmingham go big + 33 transfers in the Championship, League One and League Two
NTT20's Summer Transfer Bulletin brings you every signing in the EFL, in detail, in your inbox, every Monday and Thursday.
Ali Maxwell, Sam Parry, Matt Watts, Craig Bradley
The EFL trawlers are casting a wider net this season, in a growing trend we’ve spoken about on the pod with Omar Chaudhuri and on NTT20.COM with Andy Watson — give it a name…
Overseas recruitment
It’s hard to miss. More and more, clubs are looking beyond our island to players plying their trade in Czechia, Cyprus, South Korea, Poland, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and beyond. Our radar is switched on. And from the smallest minnow to the biggest fish, we won’t miss a shoal as we cover every single signing right here.
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Shandon Baptiste (CM) [Brentford - Luton] Free
Having spent four and a half years at Brentford, Shandon Baptiste becomes Luton's first signing of the summer. Let's be clear, the 26-year-old isn't Ross Barkley but, at his best, he's a classy ball-carrier with an eye for goal. If Baptiste can stay fit and Luton can work their magic on him, they could have a helluva player.
Jack Currie (LB) - [AFC Wimbledon - Oxford] - Undisclosed
Quality young LB/LWBs are hard to come by. Oxford United have got themselves a good'un here. For a couple of years now, Jack Currie has been one of the best League Two offers. Currie takes the defensive side of the role incredibly seriously, and while he may not have the attacking verve of top Championship full-backs, he has a great motor and has worked hard to improve in the final third, with further development surely to come. Rico Henry would be a fantastic reference point and someone for Currie to try and emulate. It's a significant jump for the 22-year-old and the U's do have other options at left back, but this is a signing with both the future, the now and re-sale in mind.
Sam Greenwood (AM) - [Leeds - Preston] - Loan
After spending last season at Middlesbrough, Sam Greenwood is heading out on loan again. PNE this time. The versatile former Arsenal man scored five goals for Boro before Christmas, but he's currently on a run of 21 Championship games without one. Whether he's playing on the left or through the middle, Ryan Lowe will be eager to help Greenwood rebuild his confidence and rediscover his goalscoring touch.
Hevertton Santos (RB) - [Estrela de Amadora - QPR] - Free
A product of Sporting CP's academy. Hervetton was promoted from the Portuguese second tier to the top flight the season before last. A defence-first full back who can also operate on the right of a back three.
Liam Morrison (CB) - [Bayern Munich - QPR] - Undisclosed
That's right, QPR have signed a player from Bayern Munich! Former Celtic youngster Liam Morrison joins Marti's men after an excellent season on loan at Wigan. The Scotland Under 21 captain is a brave, whole-hearted centre half who is also very comfortable in possession. Without putting too much pressure on young Liam, this has the potential to be a really good bit of business for the Rs.
Jamie Shackleton (CM) - [Leeds - Sheffield United] - Free
From Leeds to Sheffield, Shackleton is a proper Yorkshire Terrier. At his best, he's a tenacious, combative defensive midfielder who covers every blade of grass. A combination of injuries, his own versatility and Leeds' increased squad depth since the title win under Bielsa have held him back.
James Beadle (GK) - [Brighton - Sheffield Wednesday] - Loan
One of the brightest goalkeeping prospects in the country, Beadle returns to Hillsborough where he spent the second half of last season. The Brighton youngster kept eight clean sheets during his first stint in S6 after starting the 23/24 campaign in League One with Oxford United.
Rocco Vata (AM/ST) - [Celtic - Watford] - Free
It wasn't so long ago that Rocco Vata was being linked with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and AC Milan. Despite impressing for Celtic B and Ireland Under 21s, neither Ange Postecoglu nor Brendan Rodgers saw fit to give Vata significant first team minutes. However, with compensation believed to be around £200k, signing Vata feels like a gamble worth taking. How good is Rocco Vata? We'll know a lot more this time next year.
Torbjorn Heggem (CB) - [Brommapojkarna - West Brom] - Undisclosed
An LCB by trade that can operate at fullback, Heggem, albeit not quite as tall, gives us some Dan Burn vibes in terms of his posture. It takes him a second to get up to top speed but he can motor when he gets his legs going which aids him in recovery - he doesn't mind overlapping his fullback when attacking either. The cliche goes 'availability is the best ability' - well Heggem has only missed two matches since the start of the 2020/21 season and rarely doesn't play the full 90.
League One
Emil Hansson (LW) - [Heracles - Birmingham] - Undisclosed
If the rumoured £1.5M Birmingham are paying Heracles for Emil Hansson is correct then the transfer becomes one of the most expensive incomings in League One's history. So what are Blues getting for their money? Put simply, goal contributions. In the 2022/23 Eerste Divisie, the right-footed left winger ended the season with a staggering 16 goals and 17 assists as his side gained promotion to the top flight. In previous Eredivisie attempts, Hansson had never quite cut it. Last season, however, he came closer, ending up with 5 goals and 7 assists despite his season being cut short by a bad calf injury. Hansson isn't imposing. Whilst he and Alfie May look like a cute combination for goals, they’ll need some physicality up there with them.
Michael Forbes (CB) - [West Ham - Bristol Rovers] - Loan
The West Ham U21 captain already boasts a cap for Northern Ireland. Just the one. He came on as a sub. His side were losing 4-0 to Finland. But it goes some way to showing the esteem the 20-year-old is held in. Rovers are pretty well stocked in defence, but Forbes has come on a season-long loan for one thing: game time.
Greg Docherty (CM) - [Hull - Charlton] - Free
Over the past four seasons, Docherty has been a waning presence in Hull’s first-team, with appearances falling year-on-year: 48, 41, 36 and 17. This feels like the right moment to find a new situation. The 27-year-old is a grafting, combative midfielder with plenty of technical ability for League One. Throw in a big old thunder-bastard shot, a previous League One promotion, and genuine affection from seemingly every club he’s ever played for — strong signing for Nathan Jones’ 3-man midfield, and makes even more sense with George Dobson on the move.
Ed Francis (CM) - [Gateshead - Exeter] - Undisclosed
One of the National League's top performers last season. Exeter don't mind shopping in non-league, and Francis follows in the recently-trodden path of Reece Cole, Millenic Alli and Vincent Harper. Left-footed, technical and composed, he fits nicely into the role left by the departing Tom Carroll.
Anthony Evans (AM) - [Bristol Rovers - Huddersfield] - Undisclosed
This completes a nice little transfer jigsaw. Rudoni (Huddersfield > Coventry), Hutchinson (Walsall > Bristol Rovers), Lakin (Burton > Walsall), Evans (Bristol Rovers > Huddersfield). Fits nicely, right? Michael Duff loves a goal threat from attacking midfield as seen with Adam Phillips at Barnsley - Evans is cut from the same cloth.
Diallang Jaiyesimi (RW/LW/ST) - [Charlton - Leyton Orient ] - Free
He's hardly getting the band back together, but Richie couldn't resist dialling Diallang. Having got the best out of Jaiyesimi at Swindon, Wellens will hope to repeat the trick at Leyton Orient. The move to Charlton didn't work out for the 26-year-old but, if Wellens can work his magic, DJ will get bums off seats and be a game-changer once more.
Tendayi Darikwa (RB) - [Apollon Limassol - Lincoln] - Free
Lincoln had a Lasse Sørensen-shaped hole to fill, and have turned to an EFL veteran and a consistent performer. Darikwa spent last season in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol, he featured in 24 of 26 league games with no suggestion that he's on the decline.
Callum Morton (ST) - [Salford - Northampton] - Loan
They say never go back but, in Callum Morton's case, returning to Northampton feels like an excellent move. Morton has struggled to find a home since firing Cobblers to promotion in 2020 with some thundering play-off performances. Often played out wide, the 26-year-old wants to get back to doing what he does best — playing through the middle, running in behind and scoring goals.
Cameron McGeehan (AM) - [Colchester - Northampton] - Free
Having impressed on his return to English football last season, Jon Brady's bunch have won the race to sign Cameron McGeehan. The 29-year-old former Luton man is a fierce competitor who plays with plenty of energy and has a lovely knack for getting on the scoresheet.
Dan Phillips (CM) - [St Johnstone - Stevenage] - Free
Phillips is an aggressive ball-winning midfielder. High in last season’s SPL rankings for defensive duels, interceptions and tackles. Feisty and combative which leads to plenty of yellow cards.
George Dobson (CM) - [Charlton - Wrexham - Free
Hungary or Hollywood? George Dobson opted for Hollywood. The 26-year-old tough-tackling former Charlton man couldn't resist the opportunity to join Wrexham in League One over opportunities in the Nemzeti Bajnokság. His tenacity, energy and recent League One knowledge will be invaluable to Rob and Ryan's Reds.
League Two
Zach Awe (CB) - [Southampton - Accrington] - Loan
Awe was highly sought after following his release by Arsenal last summer, Southampton claimed his signature and gave him a three-year deal. A year later it's time for his first loan. Great physical profile, comfortable on either foot and composed in possession. Accrington got a good loanee CB in last season with Brad Hills and they may have got another for this campaign.
Tyreik Wright (RW) - [Plymouth - Braford] - Free
It's fair to say Bradford know what they're getting here. This is the third time Wright has signed on the dotted line for The Bantams, twice previously on loan and now on a two-year contract. Wright never really earned anyone’s trust at Plymouth and found it frustrating watching Morgan Whittaker excel in his position. He needed this opportunity to rebuild himself.
Marcus Dinanga (ST) - [Gateshead - Bromley] - Undisclosed
Dinanga splits opinion. Some managers trust him, some barely use him. Some non-league watchers champion him, some don't think he can step up. He started last season by scoring 13 in 13. Clubs in League One had eyes on but didn't go through with the pursuit and it's Bromley where he lands. Doesn't involve himself much in build-up play — his best work is in the penalty area.
Liam Dulson (ST) - [Bedford - Cheltenham] - Free
Dulson jumps all the way from Step 4 of non-league to the EFL. It's a massive leap but manager Michael Flynn is hyping the player up rather than calling for patience. Scored within the first minute of Cheltenham's pre-season friendly at Bishop's Cleeve on Friday night.
Ethon Archer (AM) - [Torquay - Cheltenham] - Free
21-year-old Archer left Isthmian League side Three Bridges to play full-time football with Torquay in November of last year. Not long after, the players weren't even training due to the financial crisis that hit the club. In the short time he spent there, Archer had earned the trust of Aaron Downes, then Torquay interim manager, now assistant to Michael Flynn at Cheltenham. Archer is a box of tricks and can play down either flank or as a #10.
Alex Woodyard (CM) - [York - Colchester] - Free
Having previously worked with the Cowleys at Concord Rangers, Braintree and Lincoln, the 31-year-old midfielder adds experience, leadership and an insatiable will to win to a Colchester side who are looking to build a more balanced squad ahead of the new campaign.
Omar Bogle (ST) - [Newport - Crewe] - Free
Bogle scored 7 goals in 25 League Two games last season. It speaks to both his patchy injury record and his form, which has blown hot and cold throughout his career. Not a presser. Sporadic moments of magic are possible. If Crewe can keep him and Kane Hemmings fits for 46, it’s not a duo that lacks threat — big “if” though.
Mackenzie Hunt (LB/CM/RW/LW) - [Everton - Fleetwood] - Free
Hunt spent last season training with Everton's first-team squad whilst playing in PL2 and the EFL Trophy. He's played his football at LB, CM and on either wing but Fleetwood have a pressing need at full back so expect him to fit in there.
James Bolton (CB) - [St Mirren - Fleetwood] - Undisclosed
Bolton has a mass of EFL experience at a higher level than League Two and played over 1,200 SPL minutes for a St.Mirren side that qualified for European football last season. Shrewd pick-up.
George McEachran (CM) - [Swindon - Grimsby] - Free
A technical, Dave Artell-type of midfielder, former Chelsea youngster McEachran joins Grimsby after 18 months at Swindon. Capable of playing as a No.6 and as a No.8, his quality in possession is there for all to see, but questions remain about his physicality.
Liam Kelly (CM) - [Crawley - MK Dons] - Undisclosed
One of the best pick-ups of the summer? Quite possibly. Kelly starred for Crawley in their victorious Play-Off campaign; terrorising his new employers in the process. Kelly's performance on his last visit to Stadium MK was simply mesmeric and Mike Williamson will be delighted to have acquired the services of the pint-sized midfield maestro. Less than two months on from that 8-1 two-legged demolition, it's difficult to comprehend what's happened at Crawley...
Tom Carroll (CM) - [Exeter - MK Dons] - Free
Liam Kelly and Tom Carroll? Good luck getting the ball off MK Dons next season! With the likes of Lewis Bate no longer at the club, Mike Williamson clearly wanted to add a couple of diminutive ball-playing, tempo-setting midfielders. Now 32, the former Spurs man turned down a new deal at Exeter to join Williamson's promotion-chasers.
David Okagbue (CB) - [Stoke - Walsall] - Undisclosed
Last season's loanee from Stoke returns, this time on a two-year deal. Walsall look well-prepared at CB. Time to turn attention to the top end of the pitch.