SIX OF THE BEST EFL 2022 SUMMER WINDOW TRANSFERS

Featured Image Credit - Birmingham Live

We are just one week away from the EFL season kicking off, and clubs across England are looking to secure the final pieces to their 22/23 puzzle.

With the anticipation building towards a new beginning in the football league, transfers can really dictate a fanbase's mood going into the first game of the season.

But who has made the best signing so far? Let's look at six possible candidates for that role...

THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Okay Yokuslu - Celta Vigo to West Bromwich Albion (Free)

The most recent transfer on this list, Okay Yokuslu has made his return to the Hawthorns after a season away from the Baggies.

Arriving from Celta Vigo, the Turkish midfielder was a shining light in West Brom's relegation from the Premier League, and fans were desperate for him to sign permanently for the next season.

However, West Brom fans had to be patient, and they finally have their man who will be one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the Championship.

A physical player who's not afraid to get stuck in, Yokuslu could be the perfect man to accompany fellow new addition John Swift in what is beginning to look like a formidable West Brom midfield.

Jean Michael Seri - Fulham to Hull (Free)

Once close to joining Barcelona in 2017, Jean Michael Seri has seen his career take a different trajectory following his big-money move to Fulham in 2018.

Half of Seri's time at Fulham was spent out on loan, but this past season he was able to play a big role in the Cottagers promotion back to the Premier League, making 34 appearances.

Hull's transfer window has shown the ambition of new owner Acun Medya, bringing in a host of Turkish players as well as Tobias Figueredo, Nathan Baxter and Oscar Estupinan.

While Seri was not offered a contract by Fulham, Hull being the side to bring in the 31-year-old highlights where they are aiming for this season as they set to embark on a new adventure under their new regime.

LEAGUE ONE

David McGoldrick/Conor Hourihane - Sheffield United/Aston Villa to Derby (Free)

Few expected Derby to even exist going into the 22/23 League One season, but following their long-awaited takeover, the Rams are starting to put together a strong squad under interim manager Liam Rosenior.

After making a host of signings, including the likes of Korey Smith and Tom Barkhuizen, it is the signings of David McGoldrick and Conor Hourihane that are the most impressive.

Both played for Sheffield United last season, as they reached the play-offs and while McGoldrick was let go by the Blades and Hourihane by his at-the-time parent club Aston Villa, not many expected them to arrive at Pride Park.

'Didzy' was a beloved figure at Sheffield United, and his ability to fashion chances for others, as well as finish them himself will make him an integral part of Rosenior's attacking plans for this season.

Hourihane is an incredibly technical midfielder, and one of the best passers in the EFL, as well as having an eye for the spectacular in front of goal.

With both signings being major coups for any League One side, it is set to be an exciting campaign for Derby, without having to worry about their club's off-field future.

Nicky Cadden - Forest Green Rovers to Barnsley (Free)

Forest Green's promotion to League One was down to many factors, but their wing-backs may have been the most important piece to their rise.

Unfortunately for Forest Green, both Kane Wilson and Nicky Cadden have left to join Bristol City and Barnsley respectively.

While Wilson signing for Bristol City is a great move, let's focus on Cadden's arrival at Oakwell.

The left-wing-back perfectly suits the 3-5-2 which new manager Michael Duff likes to operate with, and will provide plenty of speed and creativity down the left-side.

Cadden's biggest strengths are going forward, and he could be a vital part of a Barnsley team hopeful of an immediate return to England's second tier.

LEAGUE TWO

Danny Hylton - Luton to Northampton (Free)

Northampton almost bounced back into League One following their relegation during the 20/21 season, but missed out via the play-offs, after a dramatic final day where Bristol Rovers overtook them into the final automatic promotion position.

Therefore, building on this season was always going to be pivotal for the Cobblers, and with the signing of Luton Town striker Danny Hylton, they have definitely strengthened at the top end of the pitch.

The 33-year-old spent six years at Luton, playing in the Championship, League One and League Two, as Luton rose up the leagues, and the striker has plenty of experience when it comes to getting over the final hurdle and achieving promotion.

While he couldn't quite get firing in the Championship, Hylton's last two seasons in League Two saw him notch 42 goals in 78 appearances and he could be the player to help Northampton maintain their automatic promotion push for this season.

Joe Lewis - Torquay to Stockport (Undisclosed)

Stockport have made their long awaited return to the football league and with a strong budget, their business was always going to be an interesting look.

The signings of the likes of Callum Camps and Fraser Horsfall are great bits of business, but it was the signing of Torquay centre-back Joe Lewis that stood out.

Originally on loan with the Gulls, Lewis made a permanent move to Devon in January 2021 and established himself as one the best young defenders in non-league.

The 22-year-old certainly has a bright future, and could be a long-term player for an ambitious Stockport side who are looking to go further then just League Two.