Five Championship signings you may have missed this summer
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Plenty of business in the second-tier
Premier League clubs aren’t the only ones that have been active during the summer transfer window. Their Championship counterparts have also been busy reshaping their squads ahead of the new season.
Tom Ince, Benik Afobe and Andreas Weimann are just three of the high-profile names to have made moves during the close season. But what about some of the division’s less-heralded signings?
The Coral News Team has picked out five understated new boys who could have a significant impact with their new employers.
Tim Krul to Norwich City
It wasn’t long ago that Tim Krul was starring for the Netherlands in a World Cup quarter-final. But since 2014 the Dutchman’s career has taken a somewhat dramatic downturn.
The 30-year-old has made just 22 regular league appearances since the 2015-16 season for a combination of clubs including AZ Alkmaar, Brighton & Hove Albion and the Magpies.
There’s still a good goalkeeper in there somewhere. And if he can rediscover his best form at Carrow Road, then Norwich City could have landed themselves one of the biggest bargains of the summer.
Aden Flint to Middlesbrough
For a player of Aden Flint’s quality, the £7m fee Middlesbrough are reported to have paid to Bristol City looks like a snip. The 29-year-old isn’t just a terrific defender. He scores goals too.
Boro boss Tony Pulis is a man who prides himself on defensive structure and organisation. Flint is already a fantastic player. He should develop even more under the guidance of the disciplined Welshman. His new employers are 11/4 to be promoted from the Championship.
Lewis Grabban to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest haven’t finished in the top-six in the Championship since the 2010-11 season. But that could be set to change this year. The Tricky Trees have made a number of high-profile additions during the close season, although it’s the signing of Lewis Grabban which could make the difference.
The 30-year-old forward bagged 20 goals in 34 appearances in the division for Sunderland and Aston Villa last season. He’ll be the main man at the City Ground as Aitor Karanka bids for his second promotion from the second-tier.
Marc McNulty to Reading
Part of Reading’s problem last season was scoring goals. The Royals managed to hit the back of the net just 48 times in 46 matches. So the pressure is on Marc McNulty following his move from Coventry City.
The 25-year-old lit up League Two last season with the Sky Blues and is now tasked with making the step up to the second-tier. He should get decent service at the Madejski Stadium. But it could take time to adapt to the step-up in quality required at this level.
Erhun Oztumer to Bolton Wanderers
If you follow lower-league football, odds are you’ve heard of Bolton Wanderers’ new signing Erhun Oztumer. The 5ft 3in magician has dazzled for Walsall in League One since 2016 with his mix of pace, trickery and precision in front of goal.
The Trotters have often lacked a player who can make something happen in the middle of the park. Oztumer solves that problem, and the Coral News Team are tipping him to become one of the division’s standout players this season.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
