ME7 Transfer Targets: Five players to follow as the summer transfer window opens
Ahead of the summer transfer window, The ME7 Podcast’s Owen Stanley offers five names the club could consider as it looks to strengthen before the new season.
Given the talk currently – and understandably so – regarding who will be managing the squad next season, I thought I’d jot down some initial thoughts regarding who I would like to see enter the door at ME7 this summer. Of course, it’s very early days, with only a handful of retained lists being made public at this time.
Naturally, the likes of Jorge Hurtardo and Connor Mahoney will be top of most people's lists, so I will leave them out of this series of articles (And yes, before anyone asks, I’d happily welcome them back).
Consider this Part 1 of a summer series where I look into potential transfer targets for the Gills’ hierarchy to consider. So, without further ado, let’s run down my first five...
Ryan Bennett (Centre Back - Cambridge United - Free Agent)
Experience, experience and more experience is the motto here. Many may be slightly concerned, given Bennett is now 34 years old. However, I feel this would be a smart, risk-free option.
Despite his age, Bennett clocked up 44 appearances in the past campaign, including 37 starts, so was by no means simply a squad player for the U’s. The former Norwich man’s ability won’t be at the same level as it was from his stint in the top flight, it always helps to have someone of his pedigree around a young side, and that mix of experience and young dynamism is how I feel we should look forward.
Bennett will naturally push Max Ehmer, Conor Masterson and Shad Ogie for places while also providing clear guidance to the younger pairing of Conor and Shad.
Having played 44 games at the level above, I feel Ryan would have no issue adapting to the tier below. A strong, 6 foot 2 unit of a centre back would do us no harm. The geography may also be appealing to the now-available defender.
Likelihood Rating: 5/5
Bartosz Bialkowski (Goalkeeper - Millwall - Free Agent)
This could potentially fall into the coup category and it would be understandable if the six-foot-four goalkeeper had options higher up the pyramid. However, as he is available on a free transfer, it is perhaps a question worth asking.
The Polish shot-stopper has considered The Den his home in recent years, with two spells sandwiched by a stint at Ipswich Town, but that story is coming to a close as Bialkowski has been allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer.
With much speculation regarding the futures of both Glenn Morris and Jake Turner, I feel this would be a bold and solid addition for the upcoming season – a keeper who would make a more than capable number one at League Two level, and would also supplement the pre existing “veteran” role that Morris occupies given the fact that Bialkowski is 36 himself. The Pole has made 14 Championship appearances this campaign, conceding 21 goals and keeping four clean sheets.
Likelihood Rating: 3.5/5
Ben Whitfield - (Centre Midfield/Right Midfield - Barrow AFC - Out of Contract)
Perhaps a move for a player within our own league would not stand out as overly ambitious, but Whitfield is a player I am personally very fond of and has only improved since leaving Stockport to work under Pete Wild at Barrow back in 2021.
Whitfield has registered 11 goals and four assists from the middle of the park in 40 games this season, which is exactly the type of spark and creativity we have been so dearly lacking.
The prior season he accumulated six goals and 12 assists, hitting double figures in back to back seasons in differing statistics. However, his form did tail off towards the back end of the campaign but I feel it’s harsh to hold that against him too much, given the way Barrow’s season as a whole collapsed.
With both George Lapslie and Jonny Williams not hitting the expected heights during this past campaign, I feel Whitfield would provide stern competition, if not an upgrade. However, the Barrow man is out of contract as opposed to released, which means we would need to present a project capable of convincing him to take on new challenge in his career.
Likelihood Rating: 4/5
Jake Young (Striker - Bradford City - Fee Required)
A particularly bizarre season has just closed for Bradford City forward Jake Young. The 22-year-old enjoyed a spectacular first half of the campaign for Swindon Town during a loan period where he scored 16 goals and assisted four times in 25 appearances. However, following his recall by parent club Bradford City, Young only made four appearances, and failed to notch either a goal or an assist.
It’s impossible to know where the Robins would have ultimately finished had Young not been recalled, but I would imagine it would be north of their finishing place of 19th.
I would also have expected Young to potentially be in with a strong shout for the league’s top scorer if not for the Bantams’ recall, which in hindsight looks questionable, to say the least. Regardless, given the lack of faith seemingly put onto him by Graham Alexander, I suspect Young would be available for the right price.
However, two big questions would dictate this potential transfer, would Bradford be willing to sell to what you’d hope to be a promotion rival and given the trepidation over fee’s last summer (remember Alfie May?) would Brad, Kenny and co. be willing to spend to achieve?
Likelihood Rating: 3.5/5
Ronan Curtis (Unattached - Wide Midfielder)
Now, I’m sure if any AFC Wimbledon fans catch wind of this article I’m in for a barrage of abuse. However, during Curtis’ time as a free agent, there were whispers of Gills’ interest before the former Pompey man went on to pen a short term deal with the Wombles, which has proven to be a successful one with five goals and two assists in 16 appearances at Plough Lane.
A player with unquestionable ability for the level and a no nonsense attitude to boot (a bit of a shithouse, if you will), I’ve often felt at times we are a bit “too nice” as a squad and someone who can be that horrible piece of work in our favour would not go amiss – think if Steve Evans was a modern day footballer, and a good one (sorry, Ronan!).
Curtis boasts 35 assists and 54 goals during his four-year stint at Pompey, and still has more than enough ability to be one of the best League Two has to offer over a nine-month period. My gut tells me it’s more than likely he’ll opt to stay at Plough Lane, but what a coup it would be.
Likelihood Rating: 3/5
By Owen Stanley (@OwenLDBR)