Colchester United are among the clubs monitoring Brentwood Town striker Daniel Ogunleye, with the 23-year-old forward attracting serious interest after a stunning season in the Isthmian League North.
Ogunleye netted an incredible 43 goals last term to scoop the division’s golden boot and fire himself onto the radar of EFL sides. According to reports from The Mirror’s Dan Marsh, both Colchester and League Two rivals Fleetwood Town are exploring the possibility of bringing the non-league sensation into the professional ranks this summer.
Not An EFL Stranger
The striker is no stranger to the EFL setup, having previously come through the youth system at Forest Green Rovers. He also trained with Southend United last season, suggesting a strong desire to return to full-time football.
Colchester boss Danny Cowley has made no secret of his admiration for players rising through the non-league system. Speaking to the Gazette in December, he praised the mentality and hunger of those looking to climb the footballing ladder:
“For us, we like to identify players on the way up. Coming out of non-league, they have qualities that we like and it’s good to find the players at the start of their journey with high energy and high ambition, who are almost fearless and are also really enthused by the opportunity.”
The U’s are expected to be active in the summer transfer market after a challenging campaign, and the signing of a forward with Ogunleye’s goal return would be a significant statement. While the step up from the Isthmian League to League Two is substantial, Colchester’s faith in nurturing emerging talent may make them an ideal landing spot for the striker.
Cowley also expressed concerns in the past about young players coming from top academies without the right mindset, stating that players who’ve “been pampered” can sometimes arrive “de-energised.” That contrasts sharply with Ogunleye’s current profile—a hungry, high-performing forward eager for a shot in the EFL.
If Colchester can fend off competition from Fleetwood and others, Ogunleye’s arrival could signal a new recruitment strategy centred on ambition and potential.
Writer’s View
This is exactly the sort of move that makes sense for a club like Colchester United. Daniel Ogunleye has earned his shot in the EFL with an outstanding season at Brentwood, and Danny Cowley’s track record with developing raw, non-league talent makes this a natural fit.
The U’s need goals, drive, and fresh energy—Ogunleye looks like a low-risk, high-upside addition who could bring all three.
