Exeter City have completed the double signing of Millenic Alli and Mo Eisa from FC Halifax Town and MK Dons respectively.
Eisa will join the club on a loan deal until the end of the season and one which could well become a permanent signing in the summer given that his contract is up with MK Dons in six-months time.
With plenty of experience in the EFL to his name, it seems to be a shrewd signing by manager Gary Caldwell, who has wanted a proven goalscorer within his ranks for some time. He’ll be expected to play a key part in the club’s quest for survival, and will certainly boosts their chances of doing so.
The Sudanese international already has 123 appearances in the third tier, turning out for both MK Dons and Peterborough during that time. With 39 goals and eight assists during those spells in the league, Eisa bring something to the table which Exeter have lacked at points this season.
As for Alli, his previous experiences are completely different to that of Eisa’s, with his spell with the Grecians set to be his first in the EFL. Over the last two seasons, the Irishman has racked up an impressive 16 goals in 54 National League appearances, and seems worthy of a chance at the level.
Although the predominantly left-sided forward may not get the same headlines as that of Eisa, he could be a player to look out for in the future and at just 23 years of age, has the ability to progress.
With the third-worst record in front of goal this season with just 21 goals in 29 games, it was obvious that the forward positions were an area in need of addressing this January. Caldwell has done just that with the signings of Eisa and Alli, and in turn, improvements should be seen in front of goal.
Speaking on the signing of Alli to the club’s official website, Caldwell seemed excited to see the Irishman’s development at the club.
“Millenic (Alli) is someone I have seen play live for a few years now and I have really seen him progress well and consistently score goals in the National League.”
“He has not played as an out-and-out number 9 every week but we really see the potential that he can play that role, as well as a left 10. He will be a real asset to goals and assists with his speed and his power and he will cause defenders lots of problems.
“He has great physicality and one v one with his speed. He is someone who will really excite the fans and he excited me with his end product.”
Caldwell also seemed thrilled to have a recognised number nine in the form of Eisa at the club, and expects the striker to score plenty for his side.
“Mo (Eisa) is a goalscorer and he is someone who is desperate to play and score goals. We are really pleased to get him in, as it’s not easy to get a proven goal scorer.
“He’s of a good age and at the peak of his career, and he is someone who has experience in all three divisions of the EFL. Having spoke to him, he is really hungry as he has not played as much as he would have liked at his club. He is really motivated to do well for us.”
Writer’s View
The double signing is a huge boost to the club’s survival chances. After recent improvements in performance, further progress will now be expected with Exeters Achilles’ heel now addressed.
Caldwell, who’s job was seriously under threat at one stage, will be hoping that his side can continue their recent good run of form and preserve their third tier status.
Both signings are exciting for different reasons, Eisa brings proven quality whereas Alli brings plenty of potential. It’s worth monitoring both closely for the rest of the season as they could go onto having long, successful spells with the club.
