With these EFL League One sides commencing their business in the summer transfer window with, showing intent to the rest of League One. The bookies have listed these teams as promotion favourites.
Therefore, I am going to be listing a sensible transfer target for each promotion favourite, which would give them an extra boost in achieving promotion to the EFL Championship.
Luton Town – Ryan Allsop
Allsop has had a fantastic season at Birmingham City, keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions and helping his side win the EFL League One title.
Allsop is under contract at Birmingham until 2027, so this move would require a substantial fee. However, Luton would be able to afford this with their parachute payments.
This move would be sensible for both parties, as the shot stopper would be limited for game time at the Blues, as well as the Hatters, in need of Championship experience and depth as they look for promotion from League One. Which Allsop holds as he has made over 150 appearances in the EFL Championship throughout his career.
Allsop’s statistics in League One last season were impressive, with him having a 78% save percentage and a 73.2% passing accuracy. This shows that the keeper offered relief to his defenders. This would be especially useful at Luton to limit the amount of goals they concede if they want to bounce back to the Championship.
Cardiff City – Hakeem Odoffin
Our second player falls in the form of former Rotherham United player Hakeem Odoffin, who decided to leave after the expiry of his contract following the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old would bring League One and Championship experience with him, having made just under 140 appearances for Rotherham United across both leagues.
As well as this, with five goals throughout the course of the 54 goals Rotherham scored, Odoffin brings an eye for goal, especially from set-piece situations, which is something Cardiff seemed to have missed in their relegation season.
Plymouth Argyle – Brendan Wiredu
Our third option is in the form of the current Fleetwood Town midfielder, Brendan Wiredu, who has played 34 matches this season, and he managed to receive plenty of game time throughout the 24/25 campaign.
With two goals, Wiredu holds the ability to contribute in a direct attacking state. As well as this, the 25-year-old is also able to contribute defensively. With him winning 40 tackles and having a 64.2% duel win percentage.
Through bringing the Fleetwood midfielder to the Home Park outfit, Plymouth Argyle could bring more depth and competition to their lineup and contribute in an attacking and defensive sense.
Huddersfield Town – Nathan Lowe
The penultimate player on our list, who has already had interest from Huddersfield, is striker Nathan Lowe.
The Stoke man spent the first half of the 24/25 season on loan at Walsall, where he impressed. With the 19-year-old netted 15 times and assisted five times. This shows the former Walsall loanee’s shooting quality. Also, he is a constant threat to the opposition in each game he plays in.
This loan will be essential for Huddersfield in the 2025/26 campaign if they want to reach their promotion goal. Lowe will bring arguably provide the firepower they need upfront.
Bolton Wanderers – Alassana Jatta
The final player on our list, who has already had interest from Bolton, is striker Alassana Jatta.
The Notts County man could be a good option to pursue for the Wanderers, with him impressing in League Two last season.
In the 2024/25 campaign, across 39 matches, the Notts County man was able to net 19 times and assist four times.
The 26-year-old could use his experience from the previous season in League Two to be successful in EFL League One.
Furthermore, as we saw last season, he has the ability to deliver in EFL League Two. Therefore, Jatta with a move to League One will improve him even more and develop him further. Especially with Bolton, who have eyes on promotion.
