Back page As the hectic transfer carousel rumbles on, and football league fans prepare for the season opener with bated breath, managers up and down the country are glued to their phones looking to get that one crucial signing across the line before it all kicks off on the fourth of August.
With business far from over and sides still scrambling to secure their potential star signings, we’ve taken a look at five of the most promising transfer incomings in what looks to be one of the most thrilling and competitive League One seasons in recent memory.
Thomas Isherwood
Date of birth: 28 January 1998 (Age 20)
Nation: Sweden
Club: Bradford City
Position: Defender
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A recent transfer strategy of signing German based players has put some interesting names into contention for new Bradford City boss Michael Collins, perhaps none more so than former Bayern Munich wonderkid Thomas Isherwood.
Following former Bayern stopper Lukas Reader and towering Freiburg alumni Kai Brunker to Valley Parade, one-time Glasgow Rangers trialist Isherwood represents a real coup for the Yorkshire side. Standing at 6’4 the Sweden Under-19 international offers an imposing aerial threat in his preferred central defensive position.
Isherwood’s clear physical attributes make him a readymade star for the rough and tumble of English football’s third tier and aged just 20 the Scandinavian star could offer significant resale value for The Bantams.
Olufela Olomola
Date of birth: 5 September 1997 (age 20)
Nation: England
Club: Scunthorpe United
Position: Forward
A graduate of the prestigious Southampton academy, former Arsenal schoolboy Olomola is no stranger to scoring regularly in the football league having netted seven times in 20 league appearances for Yeovil Town during a brief loan stint in 2017. Aged just 20, the striker has excellent pace and finishing ability described as “Clinical” by former Yeovil manager Darren Way.
Hoping to play an integral role in a Scunthorpe side which narrowly missed out on promotion last season, ‘Fela’ will benefit from playing for a team that plays exciting, attacking football. Don’t be surprised to see Olomola top the League One goalscoring charts if given the chance to flourish up front for The Iron.
Jason Holt
Date of birth: 19 February 1993 (age 25)
Nation: Scotland
Club: Fleetwood Town
Position: Midfielder
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Arguably the most experienced player on this list, Holt’s career so far has seen him play in The Championship, Scottish Premiership and now League One. Bought to England by former Rangers teammate Joey Barton, Holt could revive his career back in England after a productive loan spell at Sheffield United back in 2015.
Adept at playing anywhere in the central of midfield (Offensively or defensively) the diminutive scot has an eye for a goal and admirable passing range. Bolstering Joey Barton’s team alongside fellow loanee Ched Evans, the Cod Army should be looking at a possible top six season if Holt and Evans can form a productive partnership.
Siriki Dembele
Date of birth: 7 September 1996 (age 21)
Nation: Ivory Coast
Club: Peterborough United
Position: Forward
Hoping to live up to his star namesakes is Ivorian winger Siriki Dembele. Born in the African country but raised in Scotland and England, Dembele was picked up by the Nike Academy in 2016 and quickly signed by League Two’s Grimsby Town after impressing initially on trial.
A tricky winger capable of the odd spectacular goal, the wide-man netted four times in 36 appearances last season and the talent factory of Peterborough United is likely to only be beneficial for the 21 year-old. Keep note of Siriki’s younger brother, Karamoko who is an emerging talent from the Celtic academy.
Dylan McGeouch
Date of birth: 15 January 1993 (age 25)
Nation: Scotland
Club: Sunderland
Position: Midfielder
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One of the more surprising League One signings this window considering his pedigree and rumoured interested clubs is central midfielder and Scottish international Dylan McGeouch. Making his debut against Peru in May of this year, the former Celtic youngster really made his mark over the last two seasons playing for Hibernian under former Celtic gaffer Neil Lennon.
Arriving on a free transfer, McGeouch should prove an integral part of a Sunderland side looking to instantly regain Championship status. A natural leader capable of playing a multitude of roles, the Glasgow-born midfield enforcer is sure to catch the eye in 2018 and beyond.
