8 players Exeter City could sell or release ahead of a busy summer transfer window | OneFootball

Exeter City’s promotion hopes are still alive as they’re sat just two points back from the top seven in League Two.

The Grecians suffered play-off heartbreak at Wembley last season, with Northampton Town beating them in the final, but it seems they’ll have to get past that disappointment if they’re to make it up to League One this term.

Whatever happens, Matt Taylor will likely want to add to his squad this summer and look to continue the progress the club has made under his stewardship.

As is always the way with the South West club, there are likely to be a number of departures as well.

Ollie Watkins has shown just how high former Grecians can rise and there’ll be a few clubs looking to snap up the next star, that’s for sure.

With that in mind, we’ve highlighted the 8 players Exeter City could sell or release ahead of a busy summer transfer window…

Nicky Ajose’s contributions for Exeter City have been very limited this season, with the forward finding the net just once in his nine appearances for the club.

Injuries haven’t helped him but in all, the 29-year-old’s time at St James Park has been a major disappointment.

He’s made just 25 appearances since joining from Charlton in 2019 and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it would not be a surprise to see the club release him.

Money is likely to be tight this summer and they may feel it will be better spent elsewhere.

The experienced centre-back has been a useful addition but injuries have reduced Rory McArdle’s impact since joining from Scunthorpe United last summer.

McArdle has made 24 appearances in his first season at St James Park but his time with the club could be set to end soon.

The Northern Ireland international joined on a short-term, meaning his contract is up at the end of the season.

Taylor now faces an interesting dilemma, whether to offer the defender new terms or move on and look to replace him from elsewhere.

The club may just feel that at 33, releasing McArdle is the right course of action to take.

There has been no shortage of reported interest in Joel Randall after the attacker has impressed for the Grecians this season.

Back in January, Celtic, Charlton Athletic, and Swansea City were all touted with an interest in the 21-year-old.

There were suggestions at that point that it would take a seven-figure offer to prize him away from Exeter and you feel the Grecians will want a significant fee if they’re to part ways in the upcoming window.

That said, ultimately it is part of the club’s business plan to cash in on their best assets so it would be no surprise to see him leave.

Another player that has been a key performer for the Grecians this term, Jake Taylor’s six goals and five assists from midfield have been integral to their ongoing play-off push.

The captain has been a fantastic servant to the club since joining from Reading in January 2016, making nearly 300 appearances so far, but with his contract running down he could well be on the move this summer.

Where that leaves him at the moment is unclear but should new terms not be agreed, he would be set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.

Tom Parkes has been a regular in Taylor’s first team over the past two seasons, notching up 72 appearances since his arrival in 2019.

The 29-year-old will likely feel he’s still got a lot to give for the Grecians but with his contract running down, he could be released at the end of the season if a new deal isn’t struck.

It would not be a huge surprise if this is one that Exeter are willing to wait on until they know which division they’re playing in next season.

A useful option in League Two, yes, but they might feel they can do better if they’re competing in the third tier next term.

Sonny Cox has reportedly been on trial at Manchester United, suggesting a summer exit could be on the cards.

The 15-year-old Exeter forward is thought to have attracted the attention of a number of bigger English clubs.

It seems like a matter of when and not if the teenager bids farewell to St James Park, the Grecians will just be hoping they’re well compensated.

The Exeter academy player has fired in goals at youth level but has never featured for the senior side, despite being part of the matchday squad for three of their EFL Trophy games this term.

The 30-year-old centre-forward has made minimal contributions this season and it would be a surprise if he remained with Exeter past the summer window.

Alex Fisher has made just 42 appearances across his two seasons with the Grecians but the majority of those have been as a substitute, with the forward mustering less than 1000 minutes of League Two football in that time.

Fisher’s contract is set to expire in the summer and there’s been little to indicate that Exeter should look to agree new terms.

Now seems like the right time to release the striker.

Along with Sonny Cox, Harry Lee is one of the young talents that Taylor has hinted is likely to secure a move to a bigger club.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper is another product of the club’s academy system and one that could well be sold this summer.

Lee is yet to make his debut for the Grecians but he’s regularly featured on the bench as a backup and his manager has indicated he would have no issue playing him if necessary.

Unfortunately for Exeter supporters, they may not get to see too much of his talent at St James Park.