During the summer transfer window, several EFL League Two sides have shown intent to the rest of the EFL League Two.
Henceforth, the bookmakers have listed each of the following teams as an EFL League Two promotion favourite.
Therefore, I am going to be listing a sensible transfer target for each EFL League Two promotion favourite. These signings would give them each an extra boost in their quest to achieve promotion to League One next season.
MK Dons- Ellery Balcombe
Balcombe has had an underwhelming season at St Mirren and Motherwell, combined with him only keeping three clean sheets in the league. However managed to contribute to St Mirren having a spot in the Championship group.
Balcombe is under contract at Brentford until 2027, so this move would require a substantial fee. However, it is most likely that this would be a loan move.
This move would be sensible for both parties, as the shot stopper would struggle for development at Brentford, as well as the Franchise, in need of League One experience and depth as they look for promotion from League Two.
Which Balcombe holds that in his career, he has had a number of loan spells at League Two and League One sides at the time.
Balcombe’s statistics in the Scottish Premiership last season were impressive, considering he was in the Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and at a struggling side in Motherwell. He had successfully carried out 90 saves and 242 accurate long balls.
This shows, on occasions, the keeper offered relief to his defenders. This would especially be useful at MK Dons to limit the amount of goals they concede if they are looking at promotion back to EFL League One.
Chesterfield- Aaron McGowan
Our second player falls in the form of former Northampton Town man, Aaron McGowan, who played right back for the Shoe Army last season.
With a single goal and an assist from right back in a struggling side, it shows McGowan has the ability to contribute in a direct attacking state, especially in set-piece situations. Furthermore, he also has the ability to contribute in a creative sense.
As well as this, the 28-year-old is also able to contribute defensively. This is because he was able to win 28 tackles last season. He also had a 60.3% successful duel percentage.
This move would be possible through the Merseyside connection with manager Paul Cook. Through bringing the right back in, he would bring League One experience and League Two experience, as he has been a League Two winner before. He will also add depth and competition to the side.
Gillingham- Aaron Pierre
Our third player falls in the form of a former Shrewsbury Town man, Aaron Pierre, who was a part of the Shrewsbury side that was relegated to EFL League Two.
The 32-year-old would bring a wealth of experience, having had a number of spells in the EFL League One and Two.
As well as this, with three goals throughout the course of the nine goals Shrewsbury scored from set pieces, Pierre brings an eye for goal. This is something that could help Shrewsbury bounce back to EFL League One.
Through joining the Gills, the Grenadian International would also be working alongside Gareth Ainsworth, his previous boss.
Salford City- James Wilson
Our penultimate player and striker on the list is former Northampton Town man James Wilson. He played in the EFL League One during the 2024-2025 campaign.
Wilson, during the course of last season, had a rather underwhelming spell, with him only playing nine matches and not picking up any goals or assists. However, in the 23/24 season, he managed to net four times in 27 appearances at Port Vale.
The 29-year-old holds a large amount of experience within the EFL.
Furthermore, the former Salford man is more than capable of delivering in League Two.
This, alongside his pivotal goal-scoring threat that he has shown in previous spells, would be a useful attribute in replacing Striker Kelly N’mai, who has had interest from League One as well, as this would be useful in Salford’s quest for promotion.
Bristol Rovers- Ellis Harrison
Our final player is in the form of striker Ellis Harrison, who has recently been released by fellow League Two side MK Dons.
He played the second half of the season on loan at Walsall, where they managed to make the playoffs.
Harrison, during the course of last season, netted six goals and assisted twice whilst also playing 31 matches.
The 31-year-old holds a wealth of experience across several leagues in England.
Furthermore, he is more than capable of delivering in EFL League Two.
This, alongside his pivotal goal-scoring threat, would be a useful attribute in Bristol Rovers’ quest for promotion back to EFL League One next season.
This move would be possible with Harrison playing under Clarke before, and him getting the best out of the striker.
