2 bargain transfers Exeter City could consider ft Stephen Humphrys | OneFootball

Exeter City are in the market for new signings and we've taken a look at two ambitious free transfers who would fit the bill.

They say it’s who you know, not what you know.

Now, that's a harsh thing to say of Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell as he’s doing a great job in Devon's capital at the moment, but he’s certainly not afraid to use his contacts in the game to bring players to St James Park.

And with just over two weeks left in the summer window he might be pressing the flesh to get signings through the door or unearth some gems with connections to his old clubs.

Another big question around St James Park is will the McGrecians contingent grow again before the end of the window?

The answer to both could well be yes, but at the moment solid rumours are a little thin on the ground, though City have been linked with young West Ham winger Gideon Kodua on loan in the last few days via a reputable Hammers source.

Caldwell has confirmed City are on the lookout for more signings to add to the nine already through the door this summer with up to three new players on the Scot’s wishlist.

Caldwell said: “We are still looking at getting three in, potentially two. It is proving to be challenging and there is nothing imminent, but we are working hard.

“We have to make sure the players who come in are quality, which is what we have done since I came in, and the profile of the player compliments the squad and what we are trying to do.”

There are still a fair few decent free agents floating about in the EFL so let’s take a look at two really ambitious but realistic signings City could make.

Stephen Humphrys

It’s a little surprising that Stephen Humphrys is still looking for a club. The winger scored nine and set up four across 38 games and 24 starts for Caldwell's old side Wigan last season.

However, he became something of a bit-part player and averaged just under 56 minutes per appearance in the final season before his release from the Lancashire club.

Obviously, there’s the Caldwell and Wigan connection there and, while with Josh Magennis also arriving at EX4 over the summer, there's someone at the club who the 26-year-old has linked up with in attack recently.

And, just to tick all the boxes, Humphrys spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. Perfect.

Wages would, as always, probably be an issue but the longer he remains without a club the more attainable he becomes.

City need attacking reinforcements after the left-sided Yanic Wildschut was ruled out for the season and Humphrys can play across the whole front line despite predominantly featuring on the right or up top.

Michael Hector

Michael Hector has an astonishing CV when you look at the clubs he played for. The former Chelsea man has featured for 19 clubs throughout his career, with Frankfurt, Fulham, Reading, and Sheffield Wednesday on the list in recent years.

He was at Charlton in the 2023/24 season, making 51 appearances for the Addicks, but is unattached at the moment.

City’s new backline looks pretty handy, but there’s definitely room for an extra body or two back there. A left-footer is the priority, but the 32-year-old doesn’t fit that bill.

What he does have is vast experience at League One level and higher, which could prove invaluable to the Grecian’s largely youthful defensive unit.

The Jamaica international might even come in as backup, but he’d be a great addition and his quality would surely outweigh the fact he’s not left-footed if a deal could be done.