EFL League Two Transfer Window Rankings: Every Club's Summer Business Rated 1-24
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EFL League Two Transfer Window Rankings: Every Club's Summer Business Rated 1-24

EFL League Two Transfer Window Rankings: Every Club's Summer Business Rated 1-24

The transfer window slammed shut on Monday night, and with it came the end of one of League Two's busiest summers. Some clubs have clearly strengthened, others look weaker, and a few are a complete mystery heading into what promises to be a chaotic season.

So, who won the window and who flopped? We'll be ranking all 24 clubs' business from worst to best, weighing up arrivals, departures, and the balance of each squad going forward.

Buckle up, and maybe grab a coffee.

24. Bromley

Apologies to any Ravens fans reading, but we struggle to see any lasting impact coming from the incomings for Bromley this season. Bromley relied on loan signings from higher divisions this window such as 19 year old right back Harry Lee from Brighton's U21 set up, and the signing of Man City's Lakyle Samuel on a season long loan.

In terms of outgoings, Bromley lost a reliable winger in 32 year old Louis Dennis who made over 100 appearances for the club among a host of other names. Despite the Ravens managing to keep the majority of the squad's core together this window, one cannot help but think there is still a strong need for more EFL-proven quality in order to propel the club into the play-offs.

23. Barnet

This may seem harsh due to the club only being promoted from the National League this season, however an overall lack of depth in the squad leads us to place them this far down the pecking order.

The Bees saw outgoings of up to 16 players this window and recruited a further 19. Notable incomes include the loan signing of PL2 star Ronnie Stutter from Chelsea, and former Bournemouth and Wycombe midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh. Despite these two signings, Barnet have struggled to build a sustainable squad that would comfortably survive in League Two.

Barnet fans may be used to quality in their midfield, previously relying on the services of Netherlands legend Edgar Davids between 2012-2014, however they may be forced to lower their expectations this season with regards to their midfield employment.

22. Cheltenham Town

This window saw Cheltenham Town say goodbye to last season's talisman Matty Taylor, as well as reliable winger Liam Dulson, and there has not been much proof to show that the club has done everything in their power to replace these two.

The Robins acquired 24 year old English left-back George Harmon from Ross County on a free transfer, and added Isaac Hutchinson to their squad from league rivals Bristol Rovers. Despite adding a nice blend of youth and experience to their squad, their outgoings leave large holes in the squad. This season may be a slog for Cheltenham Town, and they may need to rely on further free-agent help to bolster.

21. Crawley Town

The Red Devils lost key striker Will Swan this summer, they also saw the departures of reliable squad players Liam Fraser, Rory Feely and Benjamin Tanimu.

To combat these losses along with other departures, Crawley Town have made 15 signings this summer. These include experienced right winger Harry McKirdy from Bromley, and former Chelsea youth product Kyle Scott.

Despite bringing in some quality, similarly to Cheltenham, Crawley have gaping holes in the squad owing to their departures. Their new signings may be somewhat of a lottery too, as they rely on them to hit the ground running and make an instant impact.

20. Oldham Athletic

The Owls were promoted back into the Football League last season. Once a Premier League club, Oldham have undergone some serious changes over the years. This window saw the club let go of over 20 players, bringing in 15 replacements.

As the club look to restore stability, a promotion push appears to be too early to think about at this point in time. Signing veteran defensive midfielder Ryan Woods from Exeter City, and acquiring some young talent up front in the form of Michael Mellon on loan from Burnley is a step in the right direction for the club.

However, the step up to League Two demands more depth. Letting go of deadwood in the squad was a must, their business has been fine, but nothing to suggest they can make waves this season.

19. Harrogate Town

After comfortably avoiding the drop last season, Harrogate Town look to cement their place in League Two for a sixth season running. Their business appears natural for any club looking to stay in the division, letting go of 8 players and acquiring a further 10. Most notably, the Sulphurites signed 32-year-old English attacking midfielder Conor McAleny from Salford. Netting 22 times in 141 appearances for Salford, the Everton youth product is a shrewd acquisition for Harrogate.

Whilst adding McAleny to their books, there is still a lack of adequate firepower in the squad to suggest anything magical this season. Internal development at the club has been good, but they need to be doing much more in the market to really make an impact.

18. Grimsby Town

Grimsby Town's season may have unfortunately already peaked after the club's historical triumph against Manchester United in the EFL Cup, with controversy surrounding player registration restricting them.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham youth striker Jude Soonsup-Bell, has been added to the squad, as well as reliable EFL goalkeeper Christy Pym. With a few other names added to the roster this summer, Grimsby have lost some valuable experience such as Curtis Thompson.

The club has also lost some valuable assets to the squad this summer, with some real holes in the squad. Therefore, fans may need to rely on a dramatic cup run to ignite some real excitement into proceedings this season.

17. Accrington Stanley

Who are they? - Sorry Accrington fans, we will refrain from jokes from here on.

After surviving relegation last season, the club are looking to rebuild and stay in the division. Over 10 players have departed the club, and 9 have been brought in to fill the gaps.

Notable acquisitions include the loan signing of Everton youth product, 20 year old Isaac Heath, as well as the loan signing of veteran striker Paddy Madden from Chesterfield.

Some low-risk, high-reward signings for Accrington Stanley this window which should see them stay up in a more comfortable manner this season. The priority will be to survive, and then build on that going forward.

16. Tranmere Rovers

The Rovers finished 20th in last season's campaign. The window saw the club let go of 12 players, bringing in 14. Notable acquisitions include the double swoop of Port Vale's out of contract veterans Nathan Smith and Jason Lowe, as well as promising 21-year-old attacking midfielder Charlie Whitaker from Notts County.

A few seasoned pickups for Tranmere in the full-back, central midfield position, and the wide areas, but goals still look light on paper.

15. Newport County

Narrowly avoiding the drop last season, Newport have somewhat paced themselves this window. The club have added some depth and experience through the acquisition of veteran Welsh right-back Liam Shephard from league rivals Salford. Furthermore, the Port have promoted 3 players from their U18 setup.

Notable outgoings include goalkeeper Nick Townsend, central midfielder Aaron Wildig, and winger Josh Martin, we can't help but think Newport need to add a few more bits of quality to really push the play-off spots this season, they've added some needed depth, but they are heavily reliant on some overperformance from their new signings and young prospects.

14. Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood finished near mid-table last season, and this campaign does not appear to be looking too dissimilar on paper. The Fishermen, or the Cod Army as you may call them if you're an avid supporter, have seen the permanent departures of 8 players this window. Acquiring 9, the club look to cement themselves in League Two for another season.

The players that have come in feel fairly similar in terms of ability to the players that have departed, nothing wrong with that in my opinion. Like for like replacements should see the Cod Army (Author's note: I am not an avid supporter) stay in the division comfortably yet again.

13. Colchester United

There has been some useful and proven EFL experience added into the Colchester dressing room this window, with the club looking to remain in the division once more.

Notable acquisitions include Spurs youth product Jaden Williams on a free transfer and veteran centre back Jack Baldwin from Northampton. The "U's" - really reaching now - have also promoted promising young centre back Samuel Kuffour Junior into their first team from their U21 set up.

In terms of departures, the club saw EFL veteran talisman Lyle Taylor depart the club on a free transfer, as well as 6 other departures. It should be a steady season for Colchester United, with incremental signings as opposed to transformative ones. We say the club have a similar ceiling this season, but on a much safer floor.

12. Salford City

You've made it! Halfway through our power rankings. Feeling tired? Too bad - we're just getting warmed up.

The second-loudest club around Manchester (sorry, City fans), have made their rise through English football about as subtly as a fire alarm. With a little help from the Class of '92, they've stormed out of obscurity and are now hoping to make it 7 consecutive seasons in League Two.

Transfer-wise, it's been more smart shopping as opposed to a wild spree. Conor McAleny and cult hero Curtis Tilt have left the building, with a mix of bright prospects and wise old heads walking in - mostly via the free agents.

It's steady business, sure. But is it the kind of business that screams promotion? We have our doubts.

11. Swindon Town

Another former Premier League Club, Swindon Town have never dropped out of the Football League and don't look like doing so anytime soon.

The Robins finished in the very middle of League Two last season in 12th position. Nothing major, yet nothing detrimental. The window saw an onslaught of incomings to match the sheer volume of departures from the club.

Notable acquisitions include Wycombe Wanderers defender Ryan Tafazolli and former England U17 international Princewill Ehibhatiomhan. Swindon oversaw the departures of many defensive players, and thus they have rebuilt their backline accordingly. Furthermore, the Robins replenished their attacking options in the window.

Defensive balance remains a pivotal question for Swindon. If their business pays off, then we could see a return to League One via a playoff push. However, if their signings fail to settle, then they have enough quality to remain in the division.

10. Barrow A.F.C

It's been a few years since Barrow clambered out of the National League, and now they've carved out a solid, no-nonsense spot in League Two.

Last season's mid-table finish felt comfortable, and their summer dealings hint at more of the same, potentially even better. A plethora of new faces have rocked up, including Jack Earing from Walsall, ex-England U19 Rekeem Harper, and 32-year old South African winger Tom Barkhuizen from Derby.

It's smart business, nothing flashy. Plugging gaps, adding depth, and keeping the squad's DNA intact. Whether that is enough to turn a safe mid table side into a dark horse for the playoffs remians to be seen, but it may just come down to the finest of margins,

9. Crewe Alexandra

A busy deadline day stops Crewe Alexandra from falling much further down our list. The club finished 13th last time out, and will be sure to build on that this season owing to their signings.

Despite seeing the departures of 8 players, the Railwaymen secured some fine acquisitions. Dion Rankine, former Chelsea youth product, signed for the club on deadline day. Rankine has spent two seasons in League One since leaving the Chelsea Academy for Exeter City and Wigan Athletic. This is a statement signing for Crewe Alexandra as the now 22-year old adds quality down the right hand side.

Much like other clubs in this ranking, it all depends on whether the signings they have made can hit the ground running. If this is the case, then Crewe Alexandra fans can look forward to an interesting season that may just end in some playoff action.

8. Walsall

Walsall's window? Interesting enough to raise eyebrows, but not wild enough to make the neighbours complain. Some departures appeared risky on paper, but in the grand scheme of the club's ambitions, they appear valid. Like Crewe Alexandra, the club also went shopping down at Exeter, with their headline arrival being Vincent Harper, a versatile left-sided workhorse who is proven in the EFL.

But let's be honest - the real win for Walsall is keeping hold of 37-year-old EFL cult hero Albert "Uncle" Adomah. The man has played across the entire EFL, he is basically footballing comfort food. Nonetheless, his experience for another season is bound to be important for Walsall.

After heartbreak in the play-off final, Walsall have gone for a logical approach in the window as opposed to a lavish one. Smart and steady moves, whilst retaining some key players, might be exactly what the club need to fuel another promotion push.

7. Gillingham

The Gills have undertaken some balanced business, improving their overall squad depth without overpaying. Last season saw them finish 17th in League Two, but their transfer activity suggests they can do much better this time round.

Gillingham went for experience in the transfer market, signing former Premier League striker Sam Vokes. In addition to this, the club made a swoop for 38 year-old Garath McCleary after the winger was released from Wycombe. However, their business hasn't all been golden oldies, with the Gills loaning in 19-year-old centre back Travis Akomeah. Furthermore, the club have promoted 4 players from their U18 setup.

There is a solid chance that Gillingham could make a noise in League Two this season, maybe playoffs is a push, but time will tell.

6. Chesterfield FC

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Chesterfield's business suggests they will be in the mix again this season.

The club have let go of some deadwood, and replaced them with some names fans can be excited about. Furthermore, Chesterfield managed to retain the core of their experienced EFL squad.

The Spireites signed Everton youth product Luke Butterfield on a free transfer, as well as former Spurs academy winger Dilan Markanday. On top of this, Chesterfield increased their depth up top by loaning in 36-year-old Republic of Ireland striker Paddy Madden from Accrington Stanley.

Adding their new signings to an already settled core may suggest an exciting season ahead for Chesterfield fans.

5. Shrewsbury Town

Finishing bottom of League One last season, Shrewsbury are a welcomed addition back into League Two. The club saw a high number of departures in the window but managed to match this with some quality incomings.

The Shrews turned to the Premier League to acquire some fresh loan talent this year. Most notably, they loaned in Arsenal's 19-year-old winger Ismeal Kabia and Manchester United's 19 year-old goalkeeper Elyh Harrison. In addition to these acquisitions, Shrewsbury Town secured the signature of former Stoke City midfielder Sam Clucas. The 34-year old will help add experience into an already level-headed side.

Despite letting go of a fair number of players, Shrewsbury have retained some of their key players from their League One campaign. If the new signings hit the ground running, we could see an instant bounce back.

4. Bristol Rovers

Just like Shrewsbury, the Gas were relegated from League One. Despite their relegation, the club have managed to maintain some key players whilst letting go of players to declutter the squad.

Their notable acquisitions include former Chelsea youth sensation Josh McEachran, with the now 32-year-old completing a free transfer after leaving Oxford United. Sure, he's not at Real Madrid like many predicted back in the late 2000s/early 2010s, but he is a more than capable EFL proven midfielder with a solid combination of quality and experience that should help the Rovers.

It has been a slow start to life in League Two for Bristol Rovers thus far, but we will put that down to teething problems in the squad. Once the dust settles and the new signings begin to click, life in League Two should be short-lived.

3. Notts County

Notts County narrowly missed out on promotion to League One last season.

The window saw the departure of 37 year-old former Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick, who netted 30 goals in 76 appearances. Other departures included centre back Kyle Cameron, goalkeeper Tyler Miller, and a fair few other names.

Whilst there were some harrowing departures for the Magpies, their signings appear to be astute. The side have appeared to address their defensive fragility and replenished their EFL-ready experience in the form of veteran midfielder Oliver Norburn.

Overall, their defensive rebuild should help them mount another charge for promotion.

2. MK Dons

The window has seen a huge targeted rebuild for the Dons as they look to get promoted. Manager Paul Warne was appointed back in April, and this was his first window to make an impact.

Notable signings include former Premier League winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on a free transfer from Derby, Aaron Collins from Bolton, and proven EFL striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy from Crawley Town. MK Dons said goodbye to record-breaking legend Dean Lewington who hung up his boots at the age of 41, they also saw the departures of 13 other players.

On paper, their squad is very strong. With some proven additions into the side, it promises to be an exciting season ahead.

1. Cambridge United

Ah, the top spot. The pinnacle of League Two, the mighty Cambridge United have had what is in our opinion the best summer transfer window out of the entire 24 teams. Another side that was relegated from League One, Cambridge United appeared strong on paper even before their transfer business, and their League Two journey could be a breeze.

Cambridge oversaw a high number of departures in the window, however most of them appeared to be viable. Veteran left-back Scott Malone left the club, 33-year-old Gary Gardner was released, and Jamaican midfielder Jordan Cousins left the side over the summer.

Despite losing experience in the dressing room, Cambridge bolstered their squad with some exciting additions. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is a player most famous for his rise through the English Football ranks with Luton Town, reaching the hallowed turf of the Premier League with the Hatters after making appearances for them throughout the entire Football League. Now, Mpanzu has been brought back down to earth, and after a spell on loan at Rotherham, Cambridge have secured the signing of the proven Congolese midfielder.

The majority of their quality that faced relegation has been retained for the League Two campaign. Cambridge United look to be one of the strongest sides in the division.

Closing Remarks

And there we have it - 24 teams, 24 rankings, every bit of transfer business sliced and diced. We reckon we've been fair, but if you think your club's been robbed, our DM's on Twitter are wide open - come argue your case.

This is Arthur for Football Park, signing off. Until next time - enjoy the international break (or at least try to).

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Arthur Turner

EFL Transfer and News Writer

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