The Fantasy EFL transfers train doesn’t ever slow down. We’re back with another round-up of the biggest moves in the EFL over the previous week, following last week’s article.
For Fantasy EFL managers, there is nothing like new signings to heighten the excitement of a new season. We’ve already had over 350+ moves, and it’s only mid-July!
READ MORE: Confirmed Summer transfers for Fantasy EFL 2025/26
READ MORE: Fixture ticker 2025/26
This article dives into the key incoming and outgoing transfers you might have missed across the EFL, and their potential impact on your Fantasy EFL squad.
All deals were completed from July 16 onwards.
FANTASY EFL NEWS: IPSWICH TOWN SIGN ASHLEY YOUNG
After an illustrious career boasting 750 club appearances and 88 goals, coupled with triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, and Serie A, former England international Ashley Young (TBC) has signed a one-year contract with Ipswich Town.
The move follows his release from Everton, and despite speculation of a return to his boyhood club Watford, reports suggest the Golden Boys couldn’t meet his wage demands.
Often described as “ageing like fine wine,” the incredibly versatile veteran, who can play almost anywhere on the pitch, was frequently deployed as a right-back during his two seasons at Everton.
Even at 39 years old, Young defied expectations last season by making 32 Premier League appearances, contributing to four goals, and starting in 19 matches.
His continued performance proves that for him, age truly is just a number.
Young’s arrival marks Kieran McKenna’s fourth signing of the summer for the Tractor Boys. Fans will have to wait until August 8 for his potential debut, when they face Birmingham City (A) for the Championship opener.
ALFIE MAY JOINS THE TERRIERS
Talk about a statement signing for Lee Grant’s side.
The 32-year-old has joined the Yorkshire outfit on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. While he made significant contributions during his time at Birmingham City, joining them last summer from Charlton Athletic, his tenure didn’t quite unfold as initially expected.
Despite arriving at St. Andrew’s after being League One’s top scorer in the 2023/24 season with 23 goals, his expected role as the team’s primary talisman was impacted.
The Blues’ subsequent, late acquisition of Jay Stansfield (F) for a League One record fee seemingly reduced May’s opportunities for weekly starts. Nevertheless, he still managed an impressive 26 goal contributions in 44 appearances, despite only starting 27 of those matches.
He also registered 33 shots on target, accumulating 195 points.
The arrival of Kyogo (F) from Rennes further pushed May down the pecking order, making his departure from Birmingham City an almost certainty.
It’s anticipated that May will now be the leading forward for the Terriers come Gameweek 1, against Leyton Orient (H).
LOUIE BARRY JOINS THE BLADES
Sheffield United have made their first significant move under new manager Rubén Sellés, securing a season-long loan for a 22-year-old attacker from Aston Villa.
The young forward experienced a mixed bag of a season last year. He began with an impressive spell at Stockport County, where he netted 15 goals in just 23 League One matches.
Recalled by Aston Villa in January, he then joined Championship side Hull City on loan, but his season was unfortunately cut short by a knee injury.
Despite the injury setback, the player is enthusiastic about his reunion with Sellés, stating in a recent interview:
“I love his (Ruben Selles) style of play, it is exactly what I stand for as a player... I want to get to the goal as quick as possible. I have got a really good relationship with the gaffer and the staff, so I can’t wait to get into training now.”
The Blades are set to kick off their season with a thrilling Saturday evening fixture at Bramall Lane, hosting play-off 24/25 rivals Bristol City.
WATFORD LAND BUNDESLIGA ‘WONDERKID’
Watford has secured the services of a promising 19-year-old Australia international from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The undisclosed fee brings the young winger to Vicarage Road on a five-year contract.
A key factor in his decision to sign, the player revealed, was Troy Deeney’s iconic play-off semi-final goal against Leicester City. A truly historic EFL moment.
His career began at Adelaide United when he was just 15, and he quickly made an impact, jointly winning the A-League’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.
During his time at Adelaide, he made 61 appearances and scored 16 goals before moving to Bayern Munich in 2024.
Last season, he gained further experience on loan at Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich, where he scored once in 19 appearances. He also featured for Bayern Munich II, netting four goals in 15 games.
The Golden Boys travel to Charlton Athletic in Gameweek 2.
WREXHAM MAKE CLUB-RECORD SIGNING
Wrexham have shattered their transfer record to bring in New Zealand international Liberato Cacace (D). The defender joins from Italian club Empoli on a three-year contract, making the switch from Italy to Wales.
This move marks the second time Wrexham has surpassed the £1 million transfer barrier, following last season’s signing of Sam Smith (F) from Reading.
Back-to-back-to-back promotions mean back-to-back transfer records broken.
Primarily a left-back, Cacace is also capable of playing in other positions, including the number 10 role. He made 93 appearances for Empoli, and had been linked with a move away following their relegation from Serie A.
Last campaign, he contributed six goal contributions in 33 appearances, alongside 27 tackles and 41 clearances, according to FootyStats.
Fantasy EFL managers should keep a close eye on Cacace, particularly if he’s listed as a defender, as his offensive contributions could make him a valuable asset. Wrexham kick off their campaign against Southampton (A) in Gameweek 2.
WALSALL’S STANDOUT DEFENDER DEPARTS
Peterborough United have confirmed the signing of David Okagbue (D), Walsall’s highest-scoring Fantasy asset from last season.
The central defender has penned a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, making the switch from the West Midlands to Cambridgeshire.
Okagbue was a vital part of Mat Sadler’s defence, helping them to the play-off final. In total, he made 47 appearances and contributed to 13 clean sheets.
His defensive prowess was evident with 305 clearances. He also proved to be a valuable asset going forward, providing eight goal contributions and accumulating 271 points.
Darren Ferguson’s side will face newly-relegated Cardiff City away in a challenging Gameweek 1 fixture.
FANTASY EFL TRANSFERS: OTHER NOTEWORTHY MOVES
Josh Koroma (F) has re-joined Leyton Orient on a three-year deal from Huddersfield Town. Last season, he provided 16 goal contributions in 37, totalling 145 points.
Norwich City have signed former Leicester City Premier League winner Jeffrey Schlupp (D) on a one-year deal, following his release from Crystal Palace. The versatile Ghana international, who played for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic last season, adds depth to Liam Manning’s side.
Elsewhere, Notts County have secured the services of former Derby County goalkeeper Kelle Roos (G) on a three-year deal. Roos, a familiar name to EFL fans, arrives from Triestina. The 33-year-old is set to become the club’s new number one following Alex Bass’s (G) departure.
Speaking of keepers, Mark Howard (G) has joined Salford City on a free transfer from Wrexham. The 38-year-old made three appearances on loan in 2019, and will look to become the Ammies number one.
