As teams prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign, they have been bolstering their squad in a bit to fire them up the table. There have been some particularly eye-catching moves, as clubs have gotten their business done early to optimise preseason preparations.
With many EFL sides acting early in the summer, here are 5 key transfers which have slipped slightly under the radar, but these players may play a very significant part in the story of next season.
Sorba Thomas: Huddersfield Town – Stoke City
Stoke City made headlines during this window as they brought winger in Sorba Thomas from Huddersfield Town.
The Wales international has impressed in previous spells in the Championship, including creating the second most chances despite suffering relegation in his most recent campaign in the league, and he helped steer Nantes away from relegation last season during a loan spell in France.
The Potters will be very excited by this arrival, as on international duty for Wales he scored and picked up an assist in a man of the match display against Belgium. If he can continue that form at his new club, then Stoke will be confident of improving enough to earn a first top half finish since their relegation to the division in 2018.
Hector Kyprianou: Peterborough United – Watford
Watford announced the signing of defensive midfielder Hector Kyprianou early in the window after his departure from Peterborough in a transfer that will be the envy of most of the Championship.
The 24-year-old captained Peterborough to the EFL Trophy last season and has earned 113 League One appearances despite his young age. He also has 10 caps for Cyprus, and his experience will provide vital leadership for Watford under new manager Paulo Pezzolano.
Many players struggle to adapt to the Championship, but Kyprianou looks set to succeed as he was in the top quartile for goals, duels won and passing accuracy amongst all League One midfielders. If he continues to show these qualities in the Championship, then Watford may be set to challenge for the playoffs yet again.
Fraser Horsfall: Stockport County – Blackpool
This summer has seen a bit of a rebuild for Stockport County, as they have seen stalwarts Kyle Knoyle, Will Collar and Ibou Touray depart Edgeley Park, alongside Fraser Horsfall.
The latter has been picked up by Blackpool, who have signed him on a 4-year deal upon the expiry of his contract. The 28-year-old centre back will form a partnership at Bloomfield Road with fellow new signing Michael Ihiekwe, who joined from Sheffield Wednesday, and he will bring leadership and stability to the Tangerines backline.
Horsfall will also offer a crucial arial threat, as showcased by his goal in the playoff semi-finals against Leyton Orient, and he will be expected to plug the leaky Blackpool defence that conceded 60 league goals last season. If he can do so, then Blackpool may be able to improve on their 9th placed finish and climb up the table to compete for the playoffs.
Sam Dalby: Wrexham – Bolton Wanderers
After falling out of favour at newly promoted Wrexham, last summer Sam Dalby was sent on loan to Dundee United for the final year of his contract. To the surprise of many, he excelled, bagging 15 league goals to fire his team into European football.
With Wrexham earning a third consecutive promotion, it was unlikely that Dalby was going to have his contract extended and given the opportunity to fight for his place, meaning that a move was always on the cards. Bolton Wanderers will have fought off strong competition from many sides to secure his services on a four-year contract.
Indeed, Bolton manager Steven Schumacher will be hoping that Dalby’s goals are enough to fire his side back into the promotion race. They finished last season in an underwhelming 8th place, a whopping 10 points outside of the playoffs, and they will be hoping to turn to Dalby for goals that will transform that form around next season.
Adebola Oluwo: Barnet – Salford City
After helping Barnet secure their return to the football league, Adebola Oluwo has left the National League Champions to sign a 2-year contract with Salford City.
The 22-year-old centre back scored 6 league goals last season, and he will offer an attacking threat from set pieces as well as bringing defensive solidarity to a Salford side who narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season.
Oluwo will need to hit the ground running at the Peninsula Stadium, as he will replace departing captain Curtis Tilt who has signed for Bradford City. His record at The Hive suggests that he will be able to do so, and that will be crucial for Karl Robinson if his side are to mount another promotion push.
