"They’ll have to be…" - Huddersfield Town overhaul sparks specific Terriers transfer demand | OneFootball

FLW’s Terriers expert has shared his summer transfer window recommendation.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

After a turbulent few years both on and off the pitch, Huddersfield Town enter the summer with cautious optimism and plenty of work to do.

The recent appointment of Lee Grant as first-team manager signals a new chapter for the club and, though lacking managerial experience, he arrives with strong credentials having worked under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town, and earned high praise for his coaching acumen.

Club chairman Kevin Nagle has emphasised the alignment between Grant’s footballing philosophy and the Terriers' long-term ambitions, offering supporters reason for hope after a disappointing 10th-place finish in League One.

However, the task ahead remains substantial. With a number of defensive departures, the current squad is markedly short on established centre-backs.

Given the expectation that Grant will implement a possession-oriented style, the need to reinforce this area of the pitch is pressing.

Football League World spoke with our resident Terriers expert, Graeme Rayner, to identify one move he believes is a banker this summer.

“One thing that is a banker to happen with Huddersfield Town in the summer transfer window and why - I would say that we will have to bring in two centre halves and that they will have to be centre halves who are comfortable with the football,” Rayner told FLW.

“We currently only have really one-and-a-half maybe centre halves at the club - so we’ve got Radinio Balker, Matty Pearson left, Tom Lees left, Nigel Lonwijk was only on loan, Oliver Turton has left, [Loick] Ayina, who was a youth prospect has left, so we’re only really left with Radinio Balker.

“If we were to play a back three then potentially Mickel Miller could play there, and Brodie Spencer can potentially play as part of a three. But I suspect that we’ll have to bring in two centre halves, maybe one on loan from on high, from the Premier League or Championship, and one permanent, at least, and they’re both going to have to be comfortable with the ball and have some pace.

“That would be my prediction. The other, cynical answer is perhaps we’ll sign another player who used to play for Town, because it seems to be every transfer window that seems to have happened - but I think in a serious answer, it’ll be centre halves for the main issue - centre halves and maybe a winger.”

Huddersfield must get recruitment right to back new manager Lee Grant

As Huddersfield Town embark on a new era under Grant, the summer transfer window represents a critical juncture.

Following seasons of upheaval and underperformance, the club is now seeking stability, identity, and a squad built in the image of their new forward-thinking coach.

Whether through high-profile signings or shrewd loans, recruitment will play a central role in determining the Terriers' trajectory next season.

The need for defensive reinforcements is clear, but beyond individual positions, this window is about laying the foundations for long-term progress - on the pitch and the touchline.

With one of League One’s most competitive budgets, expectations will be high.