The role of AI is ever-increasing in today’s world – especially in football. Therefore, we asked AI to give us one transfer target for each EFL League Two club. The answers below are the responses generated by the AI.
Accrington Stanley – Luke Norris (Free)
Accrington will be looking to rebuild this campaign following an underwhelming 2024/25 season, finishing 21st.
With current budget constraints, it’s unlikely Accrington will be breaking the bank for any transfers, focusing on free agents and loans, and thus far have brought in Isaac Sinclair and Freddie Cass from National League North sides at the time of writing.
With his contract at Tranmere Rovers expiring, Norris would be a solid pickup on a free transfer for Accy with almost 400 appearances in the EFL, with 94 goals in that time, but has struggled with injuries in recent years and failed to make much of an impact at Tranmere.
Currently, Accrington have plenty of options for the two striker positions in John Doolan’s 3-4-1-2 formation (Charlie Caton, Kelsey Mooney, Tyler Walton and Josh Woods), despite the departure of Jimmy Knowles. Norris would provide an increased physical threat in the Accy front line as well as necessary EFL experience, but striker options seem unlikely to be their priority this summer.
That said, the AI has done a decent job here, as I could see this transfer happening.
Realistic Rating: 7.5/10
Barnet – Dom Telford (Free)
The AI has predicted Barnet sign last season’s loanee Dom Telford on a permanent deal following the expiration of his deal at Barrow.
After joining on loan in January, Telford went on to make 15 appearances for the bees, scoring 3 goals and contributing 2 assists, following on from an unsuccessful first half of the season with Barrow.
Telford has failed to replicate his form since the 2021/22 season where he bagged 26 goals in 40 appearnces for Newport County, picking up multiple players of the month awards.
A lack of depth in the striker spot has been correctly identified by the AI, with just Oli Hawkins, Dan Ndlovu and Callum Stead contracted to Dean Brennan’s side which typically set up with a couple of centre forwards, indicating another striker or two could be on the cards before the new campaign begins.
Telford would be likely be a low-risk option for Barnet, with him being already familiar with the club’s setup and his availability as a free agent who would likely accept a single year deal.
Another very good prediction from the AI, wouldn’t be surprised if this happens one bit.
Realistic Rating: 8.5/10
Barrow – Connor Lemonheigh-Evans (Loan)
AI believes that Andy Whing’s Barrow side should pickup MK Dons midfielder Conor Lemonheigh-Evans on a season long loan.
Whilst a loan seems fairly unrealistic considering Lemonheigh-Evans played every single minute since Paul Warne took over as manager, there is a world where he departs MK this summer, due to their high spending shopping spree this summer.
Evans made 37 appearances for MK last term, but questions will be raised over his contributions within MK’s new-look lineup next campaign. But would Barrow be a good fit?
Although he is typically a central midfielder, a position in which Barrow have recruited heavily already in following Robbie Gotts and Kian Spence departing the club, but Evans has the versatility manager’s love in a player, possessing the ability to feature at wing back as well, particularly suitable for Barrow’s 3-4-1-2/3-5-2 formation they’ve used under Whing.
This transfer target from the AI seems quite unrealistic, but with MK’s current transfer strategy, who knows where their players will end up, perhaps Lemonheigh-Evans will be next out the door?
Realistic Rating: 5.5/10
Bristol Rovers – Kieran Sadlier (Free)
Freshly relegated Bristol Rovers will be looking to immediately bounce back on last season’s disappointment and the AI believes Kieran Sadlier could be the man to bring fortune back to the club following the expiration of his contract at Wycombe Wanderers.
Sadlier struggled with injury problems last campaign, making just 15 appearances for the Chairboys, but featured on 45 occasions the season prior, chipping in 9 goal contributions.
He will be aiming for a consistent season that isn’t hampered by injuries, but would a move to Bristol Rovers be reasonable?
With Scott Sinclair heading out the door, there’s a gap to fill in Rovers’ left wing postion and Sadlier could be an extremely sensible replacement, especially with Sadlier still being only 30 years of age (five years younger than Sinclair).
In some respects, Sadlier would be an improvement on Sinclair, with Sadlier’s ability to play in more wide defensive roles as well as creative positions such as CAM.
This would be an incredibly adequate move for “The Gas”, but questions would be asked about Sadlier dropping a league, as he’s a League One standard player.
Realistic Rating: 6.5/10
Bromley – Jack Tucker (Free)
Bromley shocked League 2 last campaign by achieving a top half finish just 4 points behind the final playoff position, and AI predicts Jack Tucker would be a key signing to continue Bromley’s rise. Since rising through the youth academy at Gillingham and going on to make 137 appearances, before joining MK Dons in 2022.
He made 84 appearances for the club, as well as a short loan spell with Colchester, and will depart the club this summer at the end of his contract.
Bromley have already recruited a new centre back this summer, bringing in Kyle Cameron on a free transfer from Notts County, making it four contracted centre-backs at the club (Webster, Sowunmi and Elewere).
This seems quite thin in terms of options, especially for a club that typically plays 3 centre backs in a 3-5-2 formation, however Idris Odutayo covered the centre back spot throughout last campaign.
Tucker fell out of favour drastically at Mk Dons, and a move to Bromley could return him to his previous form.
Not a bad suggestion from the AI, by no means does it sound unrealistic.
Realistic Rating: 7/10
Cambridge – Jack Bridge (Free)
AI suggests Cambridge make a move for Jack Bridge from National League side Southend following their loss at Wembley in the Playoff Final.
Cambridge will be looking to rebuild and aim to bounce back after their relegation from League One, and have already lost central midfielders Paul Digby, Ben Stevenson and Jordan Cousins so far this summer, hence why the AI has correctly identified this gap.
Jack Bridge would comfortably slot into Neil Harris’s 4-2-3-1 formation in both central midfield and central attacking midfield having played in both roles for Southend and could be interested in taking the step back into the EFL.
Bridge has made over 150 appearances for Southend but previously had spells at in the EFL with Carlisle United and Northampton Town.
He’s been a mainstay in Kevin Maher’s Southend side, making over 45 appearances in the last three campaigns for the shrimpers.
However, this transfer could seem unlikely, due to a fee being required and Cambridge potentially wanting to spend money on a slightly younger than Bridge, who’s soon turning 30 years of age.
Realistic Rating: 6/10
Cheltenham – Freddie Issaka (Loan)
Plymouth youngster Freddie Issaka is the AI’s selection for Cheltenham, who are hoping to build on their mid table finish last campaign.
Still only 18 years old, Issaka will be looking for more first team minutes to continue his development and eventually become a key part of Argyle’s squad.
Issaka has already made 36 appearances for Plymouth, so it seems unlikely he would drop into League Two, especially now that they’ve been relegated into League One.
On the other hand, Cheltenham effectively used the loan market last season, using 11 different loan signings throughout the season, so will likely be continuing this recruitment strategy into this window.
Cheltenham top scorer George Miller has been transfer listed, leaving Matty Taylor as the only contracted striker, so new striking options will be a priority this window, however Issaka joining on loan seems to be a very bold idea from the AI, one of its most unlikely on this list.
Realistic Rating: 2/10
Chesterfield – Callum Guy (Free)
Looking to build on their playoff finish, AI chose Carlisle’s centre-mid Callum Guy to join as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.
During their 2nd successive season of relegation, Guy made just 18 appearances and will leave the Cumbrian side after over 5 seasons with the club, where he racked up 181 appearances.
After a couple of uninspiring seasons, he seems unlikely to be the key to unlocking Chesterfield’s chances of automatic promotion, but could be a decent squad player rather than a regular starter.
Central midfield is undoubtably one of Paul Cook’s main targets for transfers this window, with Ollie Banks and Darren Oldaker departing the club at the end of their contracts and Jenson Metcalfe’s loan coming to a close, with only Walsall’s CDM Ryan Stirk joining the midfield ranks.
Not the AI’s finest prediction here.
Realistic Rating: 4/10
Colchester United – Kellan Gordon (Fee)
Notts County wing back Kellan Gordon is Colchester’s key to chase promotion and avoid a 10th consecutive season in League Two according to the AI.
With Mandela Egbo seeming on his way out of the door, an attacking minded right-back will be on Danny Cowley’s transfer radar this summer, correctly identified by the AI and Kellan Gordon seems like quite a reasonable shout.
Gordon joined Notts County last summer on a free transfer from playoff winners Crawley, going on to make 33 appearances for County last campaign mostly in the right wing back position in their 3-4-3 formation picking up 3 assists.
His stats in the attacking aspect of his game are incredibly impressive, being in the top ten percent of full backs in the EFL for chances created, whilst simultaneously being in the bottom one percent for defensive actions, hence why he suits a wing-back role in a team that utilises three centre-backs, which Colchester do not, setting up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
AI’s suggestion here seems quite unlikely, as I would imagine County will keep hold of him, and Gordon not suiting Colchester’s system particularly well.
Realistic Rating: 5.5/10
Crawley – Aaron Hayden
Crawley are having another chaotic summer, with seven first team regulars out the door already, and five signings joining “The Reds” thus far. AI’s suggestion for them is Carlisle centre back Aaron Hayden, following their relegation back into League Two.
Since losing centre back Toby Mullarkey to Fleetwood, Scott Lindsay will be looking to bring a solid replacement to the club, and Hayden could potentially provide the necessary experience to Crawley’s reasonably inexperienced backline.
Hayden made 24 League Two appearances for Carlisle during their second consecutive relegation season, missing chunks through injury and inconsistent form.
Prior to this, he had a three-year spell at Wrexham but departed following their promotion to League One after 94 appearances and an impressive 20 goals from centre-back.
With Crawley’s off the wall recruitment strategy, no one knows who they will bring in, so the AI might have pulled a blinder or an absoloute stinker here, no one knows with Crawley!
Realistic Rating: 4.5/10
Crewe – Tommy Leigh (Fee)
Bradford’s Tommy Leigh is AI’s choice for a transfer target for Crewe Alexandr. Leigh joined Bradford from MK Dons after just a 6-month spell at The Dons, but he’s already being linked with a move away from Bradford following their promotion to League One, after failing to make much of an impact at The Bantams in his 16 appearances.
Leigh joining Crewe sounds like a reasonable idea from the AI, however it seems more feasible to be a loan deal.
Crewe may well be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements following Chris Long and Kane Hemmings’ contract expiration but have already brought in Josh March and normally don’t set up with a centre attacking midfielder (Leigh’s preferred position), so it seems unlikely Crewe will be Leigh’s next destination.
Good prediction of the player leaving from the AI, but destinations elsewhere seem most likely.
Realistic Rating: 5.5/10
Fleetwood – Josh Hawkes (free)
Following his exit from Tranmere, AI suggests Hawkes moves to Pete Wild’s Fleetwood side. Fleetwood have lost wingers Ryan Broom and Phoenix Patterson thus far this summer and are yet to bring a credible replacement to the club this summer.
Hawkes would be a smart pickup on a free transfer, with experience playing in the wide positions in sides that play a 3-back formation (which Fleetwood have utilised under Wild).
Hawkes has been one of Tranmere’s standout players in their last three campaigns since joining from Sunderland, where the side has struggled to flourish in League Two and threaten any promotion push, scoring 27 goals and providing 12 assists in his 151 appearances for the club.
Despite this, he fell out of favour with manager Nigel Adkins last season, but regained a bit of his previous form following Andy Crosby taking over as manager.
This move makes quite a lot of sense, well done AI!
Realistic Rating: 8/10
Gillingham – Callum Hendry (fee)
AI has once again predicted a fellow League Two side to pick up an MK Dons player, following their transfer antics so far this summer, this time being striker Callum Hendry moving to Gillingham.
With MK bringing in Aaron Collins, questions surround their previous campaign’s strike force around whether they will remain there, and Hendry might be first to go following his unsuccessful season with The Dons, scoring just 4 goals in 32 games, as well as failing to make much of an impact since Warne took over.
Gillingham will be on the hunt for attacking reinforcements with Nadesan and Hawkins leaving as free agents, and have already made moves this summer, bringing in Seb Palmer-Houlden from Bristol City, as Ainsworth aims to rebuild Gillingham.
Hendry would provide an improved physical threat compared to current striker options but wouldn’t be the answer for Gills to push for playoffs or above.
Not awful from the AI, but not it’s best.
Realistic Rating: 6.5/10
Grimsby – Jordan Graham (Free)
Grimsby narrowly missed out on the playoffs last campaign, and AI believes Jordan Graham is the man to continue their push for promotion.
Grimsby will be searching for new arrivals on the wings, with Svanthorsson injured for the first few months of the campaign and wing-back Denver Hume departing for fellow League Two side Fleetwood.
In Artell’s 3-5-2 formation, wide options that can also put a shift in defensively will be on Artell’s radar and I’m fairly sure Jordan Graham fits the bill.
Graham struggled with injuries during his two-year spell at Orient, whom he joined from Championship side Birmingham City.
Despite his wide midfielder status, Graham hasn’t scored a goal in over four years and a drop to League Two could be his opportunity to not only improve on game time, but also get back into previous form.
Not a horrendous suggestion from the AI, as Graham could do with a drop in level to find his feet in the EFL once again.
Realistic Rating: 6/10
Harrogate – Curtis Thompson (Free)
By defying the odds and surviving a fifth consecutive season in League Two, Simon Weaver will be looking to accelerate Harrogate further up the table.
Curtis Thompson is the AI’s suggestion for Harrogate following his release from Grimsby Town.
The AI picked up on Harrogate’s current lack of depth with the departure of Dean Cornelius, Josh Falkingham and Stephan Dooley with only Jack Evans being brought in as a replacement thus far from Halifax.
Thomspon could be a feasible Dean Cornelius substitute despite his older age, both demonstrating energetic displays in the central defensive midfield position, in particular during the second half of the 2023/24 season as Thompson played a key role in Grimsby’s relegation scrap.
Thomspon did gradually fall out of favour at Grimsby however, making just 20 appearances last season, but has previously been a regular starter for Wycombe Wanderers in League One, making over 150 appearances for the Chairboys.
A very realistic transfer target from the AI, this makes a lot of sense.
Realistic Rating: 8.5/10
MK Dons – Odin Bailey (Fee)
Stockport’s Odin Bailey is the AI’s idea for high-spending MK Dons. MK Dons have spent heavily on League One quality players already such as Aaron Collins, Will Collar and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, so a transfer for Bailey seems completely realistic.
He played a key role in Stockport’s promotion from League Two but gradually slipped out of favour as Stockport finished in the League One Playoff spots.
With his versatility between most attacking midfield and winger roles, this would be a great pickup for The Dons.
Bailey made 82 appearances for Stockport across two spells at the club, joining from Salford City where he made just 23 appearances after joining from Birmingham City. Prior to this move, he had loan spells at Forest Green Rovers as well as a loan in Scotland with Livingston.
With MK’s frivolous spending this summer thanks to their new Kuwaiti investors, who knows who they will sign this summer, this could be a perfect pickup for MK, a decent shout from the AI and could provide serious competition for Crowley and Gilbey.
Realistic Rating: 7/10
Newport – Kyron Gordon (Fee)
Looking to bounce back from an incredibly underwhelming 2024/25 under Nelson Jardim, new boss David Hughes will be looking to revitalise County, and AI believes Kyron Gordon would boost their chances at climbing up the table.
23-year-old Rochdale centre back Kyron Gordon made 46 appearances last campaign, as they reached the Playoff Quarter Final in his first full season at a club.
The ex-Sheffield United man may be looking to accelerate his development and make the step up to the EFL.
Newport will potentially looking to improve their centre back options following the departure of Kyle Jameson, and Gordon alongside Matthew Baker and Ciaran Brennan could develop into one of the best back threes in the league.
A great shout from the AI predicting a step up for the highly rated Kyron Gordon, and Newport would be a decent suitor.
Realistic Rating: 7/10
Notts County – Farrend Rawson (fee)
Accrington centre back Farrend Rawson was a standout performer for a side that struggled last campaign and could be tempted by a move away this summer due to Accrington’s financial problems that have led to the closure of their academy.
Rawson is somewhat of an EFL veteran, with over 300 appearances in the EFL at just 28 years of age and a move to Notts County isn’t a horrendous prediction from the AI.
Although its unlikely to be a high priority position for Martin Paterson this summer, additional depth at the centre back spot would always be useful, particularly with Kyle Cameron and Robbie Cundy heading out the door, adding physicality to their starting back three, although questions would be asked whether he suits a possession based side if County continue their style of play of last season.
Fairly decent prediction from the AI, not awful at all.
Realistic Rating: 6.5/10
Oldham – Jacob Mendy (Loan)
Frozen out at Wrexham, Mendy will be looking for an escape route this window, after making just 9 appearances last term.
Oldham effectively used the loan market during their promotion campaign and will be looking to repeat this recruitment strategy this summer ahead of their return to the EFL.
Following left back Liam Kitching’s departure, Oldham are without a contracted left back at the club, with only new addition Luke Hannant being able to play on the left-hand side of their wide defensive slots, so will be a high priority target this summer.
Mendy won back-to-back promotions with Wrexham on their rise from the National League to League One, as well as earning a call up to the Gambia National Team, representing his country of birth.
Mendy would be a low-risk option for Oldham’s return to the EFL on a loan transfer, very competent suggestion from the AI.
Realistic Rating: 7/10
Salford – Rohan Luthra
The AI believes Salford City should sign former Derby County goalkeeper following the expiration of Matthew Young’s loan from Sunderland. With only 36-year-old Jamie Jones contracted for the goalkeeper spot, Karl Robinson’s side will be looking for a younger option to compete for the number one spot, a good spot by the AI.
Luthra joined on Derby as a free agent from Cardiff City and held the third-choice spot throughout the 2024/25 season with a short loan spell at Spennymoor Town back in March.
Luthra will be looking for more potential first team opportunities, especially at the age of 23, and would be a sensible low risk option for Salford City, however I’m fairly confident he will drop down to non-league for more game time.
Realistic Rating: 4.5/10
Shrewsbury – Jack Lankester
Freshly relegated Shrewsbury will be looking to avoid the curse of 24th in League One, which has resulted in both Carlisle and Forest Green Rovers getting back-to-back relegations, however Shrewsbury have recruited well for a successful 2025/26 campaign thus far.
AI believes Jack Lankester is the key for Shrewbury to fight for the promotion places, which would require a decent sized fee from Crewe Alexandra.
Losing wide midfielders Jordan Shipley and David Wheeler has left gaps in Shrewsbury’s squad but Jack Lankester could be a very decent replacement on the wings as they are yet to make moves for new alternatives.
Lankester came through Ipswich’s academy and went on to make 30 appearances for the Suffolk side, before making the short trip west to Cambridge United, making 128 appearances before joining current club Crewe in summer 2024.
He missed large chunks of last season through injury making only 23 appearances but excelling in his few cameos. Lankester would be a great match for Shrewsbury, but it seems unlikely he would leave the club, especially with a substantial fee being required for this move.
Realistic Rating: 5/10
Swindon – Jordan Moore-Taylor (fee)
Ian Holloway’s Swindon will be looking to continue their incredible 2025 form into the new season, and Jordan Moore-Taylor is the AI’s suggestion for Swindon Town.
Swindon’s defensive performances weren’t quite as impressive as their attacking ones, so will likely be on the hunt for new centre back options that suit their three at the back formation.
Moore-Taylor has an abundance of EFL experience, making over 300 appearances for Exeter City, MK Dons and Forest Green Rovers and captained Forest Green on numerous occassions during the 2024/25 season.
Losing Grant Hall leaves the Robins with 4 contracted centre-backs so will likely make advances, and Moore-Taylor could be a suitable fit, but seems unlikely to make a move following the recent announcement of his one-year contract extension at FGR.
Nice idea from the AI but it seems unlikely to develop into reality.
Realistic Rating: 4.5/10
Tranmere – Dan N’Lundulu (Loan)
One of the AI’s boldest suggestions is that Andy Crosby’s Tranmere Rovers side should make a move for Bolton striker Dan N’Lundulu this summer.
During the 2024/25 campaign, he spent the season on loan at Cambridge chipping in five goals and two assists during their relegation campaign.
Prior to that, he signed for Bolton on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell with the club from Southampton’s academy and has made 43 appearances thus far.
Tranmere’s strike force looked uninspiring last term, with Kristian Dennis being their top scoring striker on 9 goals, who’s heading towards the end of his career aged 35.
With Luke Norris departing, Tranmere’s strike force looks to need a new addition, and N’Lundulu would be an incredible pickup, however this move seems highly unlikely, given his impressive performances in League One last term.
Bit too bold from the AI here, but I’ll give it credit for aiming for more outrageous moves.
Realistic Rating: 2.5/10
Walsall – Tom Lowery
The AI has gone for former Pompey centre midfielder Tom Lowery for Walsall which it described as “The perfect replacement for Ryan Stirk”.
Available on a free transfer, Lowery spent last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious hamstring injury.
Walsall are looking to bounce back from their surprising collapse in 2025, would be a great coup for The Saddlers, following Stirk’s move to Chesterfield and a couple of loan players spells at the club ending.
Lowery made only 31 appearances for Pompey during his three-year spell at the club, but was a standout player for Crewe Alexandra in both his recent loan spell and his 6- year tenure at the club that he rose through the academy of.
Lowery would provide serious energy into Walsall’s midfield alongside Jamie Jellis and Charlie Lakin, but there’s a high likelihood that he ends up back at the club he knows best, Crewe Alexandra.
Very good idea from the AI here, wouldn’t be at all shocked if this occurred.
Realistic Rating: 8/10
What Do You See Happening This League Two Window?
Let us know in the comments what you see happening this summer in League Two.
