Stevenage have completed the signing of former loanee Saxon Earley.
The 22-year-old returns to the Lamex Stadium after stints at League One outfits Plymouth Argyle, Wycombe Wanderers and Lincoln City.
The defender made 27 appearances on loan at Stevenage, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process.
However, since his loan spell, Earley’s career hasn’t gone to plan, making just 11 appearances in two years at Argyle, none whilst on loan at Wycombe, and three last season for Lincoln.
He becomes Boro’s second signing of the summer, following another former Pilgrim, Jordan Houghton, to Hertfordshire after his contract expired with Plymouth.
Strengthening In Key Areas
Although few players have departed the Lamex Stadium, Alex Revell and his team will still be aware of the positions his side needs to improve in
According to Stevenage’s retained list, seven players departed following the expiry of their contracts, four permanent players and three loanees, whilst two players have been offered new contracts. This has left 19 first-team players under contract.
With just one of those 19 players being a natural left-back, it’s no wonder they’ve gone back in for Earley, who has unfinished business at Stevenage. He is a low-cost, low-risk option and a player they know can do well at this level. However, with such little game time in the past two seasons since leaving, the question will be how fast Earley can get up to match fitness and return to the level he once reached.
Given that Boro only have two recognised midfielders also, it’s no surprise that they have signed Houghton to strengthen the midfield area.
Alex Revell now has 21 first-team players under contract, which could lead to some departures this summer, in addition to new signings expected to join the club.
Early business in the windows can sometimes be hit and miss, but the two signings that Stevenage have brought in look to be good additions, as they look to push on from last season’s midtable finish.
Writer’s View
If Earley can reach the heights he hit in 2022, he’ll have no problem settling back in Hertfordshire. But with so little game time in the last two years, it may take the player a while to build up to match fitness to be able to play full 90s week in week out.
This transfer does make sense for both parties, however, with Earley returning to a club he had success with in a short period, whilst Stevenage know what to expect from the 22-year-old. As mentioned above, it’s a low-risk but could turn out to be a high-reward deal, especially on a free transfer.
