With big fees predominantly out the window, clubs are having to become creative in their attempts to add to their ranks – leading to some interesting pieces of business thus far.
Here, we take a look at some of the deals which have caught the eye already in the third tier, and how some of Sunderland’s key rivals are shaping-up ahead of the new campaign:
5. AIDEN O'BRIEN - SUNDERLAND
Bringing Bailey Wright back to the club was an important bit of business for the Black Cats and the addition of O’Brien brings some much needed variety and versatility to their forward line. O’Brien was a popular figure at Millwall and had a good record at League One level there, particularly as he was often played slightly out of position. Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS
6. MAX EHMER - BRISTOL ROVERS
Alongside Blackpool, Bristol Rovers have been the most ambitious and active club in the transfer window so far. As well as signing Jack Baldwin and former Chelsea youngster Josh Grant, Ben Garner pulled off something of a coup by landing experienced centre-back Max Ehmer. Ehmer was a key player in the Gillingham side that was rarely far from the play-offs last season and will bring some much needed steel to a side that struggled for much of the last campaign. Photo: Pete Norton
7. ZECH MEDLEY - GILLINGHAM
The salary cap rules, which also limit the number of players each squad can have above the age of 21, will make an already ferociously competitive loan market even more critical in the third tier. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the market has been a little slower in starting to move so far but in replacing Ehmer, Gillingham have moved quickly and effectively. Medley is a highly rated Arsenal youngster who already has senior appearances under his belt. The clubs who can best utilise this market over the coming weeks will have a major advantage when the season begins. Photo: David Price
8. MIKAEL MANDRON - CREWE
With Ehmer gone and Brandon Hanlan still to agree a new deal, the spine of Gillingham’s side from last season is changing. Though never prolific, former Sunderland youngster Mandron was a regular for Steve Evans (and his brace at the Stadium of Light did much to push them out of the points-per-game play-off picture). So it’s a good capture for newly-promoted Crewe Alexandra. Photo: Alex Davidson