For some it’s a scary time of year, for others it’s extremely exciting! Players are coming to the end of their contracts.
Players could be desperate for a chance to get out the door, whilst some clubs will be looking to make room for some incoming signings. For fans it could mean losing one of your best players or finally having the chance to say goodbye to a faithful servant, with that in mind we’ve taken a look at 5 players to keep an eye on as the summer approaches.
The running down of a player’s contract has become commonplace as agents and representatives look to take control of their clients potential destinations and potentially secure a better deal at their next club with the absence of a transfer fee.
For the players it’s a chance for a new challenge perhaps due to a lack of game time or having interest from other clubs.
For clubs, it’s a chance to remove players that perhaps haven’t worked out off the wage bill and clear out the squad to make room for new faces, whilst freeing up some funds to bring them in.
Let’s have a look at 5 players coming to the end of their contracts in League One that could be on the move to clubs in and around the EFL this summer.
Josh Scowen
Currently, at Wycombe who are fighting to return to the playoffs in League One. Scowen has been with the Chairboys for a couple of years now and was a part of their playoff push last year which saw them lose out in the final to Sunderland.
Scowen is a fantastic midfielder who I think could walk into most clubs in League One and even some championship teams.
It surprises me that the Chairboys have let his contract get down to this point, as Scowen could now leave the club on a free.
Certainly, one to keep an eye on as I’m sure a number of clubs will be keen to get his signature. We’ve actually already done an article focusing on Scowen and some of the potential destinations he could end up at in the summer. Check it out here.
James Chester
An Ex-Premier League Player & Wales international, Chester has a fairly impressive CV, but it’s fair to say he’s coming into the twilight years of his career now at the age of 34.
You’ll find Chester plying his trade for Derby in League One, who are desperately trying to return to the Championship, but if they are to do it this season it looks like they will have to go through the playoffs.
If Derby are to miss out on promotion this season, they will be looking to revamp the squad with fresh faces and with Chester coming to the end of his deal, this could see him be one of those that leave the club.
It’s unlikely that we would dropping down a level, therefore it’s easy to summise that he will end up somewhere in League One, but who knows maybe even a Championship club might come in for him. Whatever happens, I’m sure a number of clubs will be fighting it out for his signature come to the end of the season.
George Dobson
Dobson joined Charlton in 2021, and he has turned himself into a key player for thé Addicks since joining.
He’s a fantastic midfielder, who I believe is ready to take a step back towards the top end of League One. If I weren’t to suggest a club, I’d probably go with Wycombe Wanderers. Lewis Wing looks likely to leave the club and Scowen’s contract coming to the end they will be in need of a couple of Midfielders.
Dobson would be a perfect replacement, still only 25 years old and entering his prime playing years.
He’s one who will be being monitored by a number of clubs all over the EFL.
Connor Ogilvie
After joining Portsmouth from Gillingham back in 2021, Ogilvie has been a fairly consistent part of the team.
What you will get with him is consistent performances of a high standard, Pompey are rebuilding after the departure of Danny Cowley.
It could prove to be an unwise decision to allow him to leave but there could be a few clubs looking to gain his signature.
Josh Sheehan
Seven games are all Sheehan has played this season for Bolton, Sheehan’s spent most of his career in and around the EFL but as you can tell has struggled for game time of late.
He will be eager to start getting more time out on the pitch, now he is still only 27 years old, he’s one of those that has always shown promise but needs to break through somewhere now and start getting consistent game time again.
He will be on the hunt for a new club in the summer and that a number of clubs up and down the EFL will be taking a look to see if they want to take a chance on the midfielder.
Writers View
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again this is my favourite time of year, this year seems to have a lot of big names coming to the end of their contracts.
It’s set to be an exciting summer and I can’t wait to see where all these players end up.
