Squad strengthening is not possible till January. Nearly.
It is still possible to sign players. However, beyond the deadline, they had to be unsigned and not enrolled in any clubs.
Last week, at the Professional Footballers’ Association’s preseason training camp in Leicestershire, the topic was being explored.
Saleem Akanbi, a 20-year-old striker cut by Cambridge at the end of the season because he was still a few weeks away from fully recovering from a serious knee injury, said, “A lot of the boys are excited for next week.”
Teams have resumed play, the deadline has passed, and some may have midweek games. The building’s managers have viewed its contents, so there will be no more waiting until January for ifs, buts, and maybes. Free agents might become quite valuable.
Akanbi was among 36 players who attended the final few days of a 10-week camp that the PFA had organized so that players may come and go as needed. The camp’s purpose was to give players who haven’t signed a contract with a club a team environment.
Five matches were scheduled, including one against Manchester United’s Under-21 team, and professional coaches led practice sessions. The campaign concluded on August 27 at Cambridge.
