We are only eight days into the transfer window officially, but many clubs are making quick work of their summer dealings. The likes of Nottingham Forest have already spent in excess of £20m, but do any of their signings feature in our top 5?
5. Erhun Oztumer, Bolton
One of the brightest sparks in League One over the previous couple of seasons, Oztumer’s importance to Walsall last season cannot be under-looked. The Saddlers finished 19th last season, narrowly avoiding the drop and it was the goals their little Turkish playmaker that was key. Oztumer scored 15 league goals in back-to-back seasons for Paul Whitney’s men. Oztumer now has the chance he has waited and for a side such as Bolton who crave a resurgence, Oztumer could very well be paramount to their success.
4. Dean Henderson, Sheffield United (loan)
Last season, Shrewsbury were arguably the surprise package of the Football League, Paul Hurst’s men finished third in League One but their fairy-tale season was ended at Wembley in a 2-1 defeat to Rotherham. One of Shrewsbury’s key men was Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson. The 21-year-old is now an England u-21 off the back of last season, claiming 16 clean sheets in 38 league games. Henderson will now look to solve Sheffield United’s goalkeeping dilemma.
3. Lewis Grabban, Nottingham Forest
20 goals in 34 Championship appearances for Aston Villa and Sunderland meant that Grabban was a hot commodity this summer and Aitor Karanka has done a magnificent job in securing his signature. The 30-year-old is a proven Championship goalscorer, something Forest lacked last year after Britt Assombalonga’s departure. Grabban could be key to Forest’s ambitions this season, having already secured 7 signings. Only Matej Vydra managed more goals last season (21) than Grabban.
2. Aden Flint, Middlesbrough
Aden Flint managed 37 goals in 5 years at Bristol City, including 15 in their promotion-winning season to the Championship. Flint is a man mountain at the back and looked destined for a Premier League move this summer, but Tony Pulis worked his magic in securing the centre-half for just £5m. Middlesbrough’s defence could be a big factor for them this season, with the partnership of Ben Gibson and Flint a tough one to beat.
1. Oghenekaro Etebo, Stoke City
Stoke City have found themselves a gem in Etebo, joining from Portuguese side Feirense, the midfielders price tag may well have tripled after his impressive World Cup performances for Nigeria. Gary Rowett has managed to coup Etebo for just under £6.5m and only as the season progresses will you see the magnitude of this signing for the Potters. Etebo can play virtually anywhere in midfield, being just as useful going forward as he is defending. Not only is Etebo (22) the bargain of the summer, but when you compare the £15m Forest spent for Joao Carvalho, you see just how well Stoke have done.
