Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday want to bounce back, while Luton Town and Plymouth might feel aggrieved at not doing better last season.
Perennial underachievers Huddersfield Town will, as always, expect success, while Blackpool, Wycombe, and Wigan prepare to once again battle for the title of ‘rose from midtable obscurity’. Oxford United have a mini crisis to deal with, while Stockport County will hope, finally, to go one better than usual.
That’s just a handful of sides challenging for a place in the second tier, meaning League One is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Recruitment does not always have to involve a sizeable transfer fee, though, and the PFA’s free-agent programme offers teams the chance to assess experienced professionals who remain without a club.
The players featured here are all part of the current PFA training camp, where they are maintaining their fitness and putting themselves in front of potential employers. Some bring extensive Championship experience; others still have room to develop, but each appears worthy of consideration. For League One clubs seeking quality, depth or experience without paying a transfer fee, there are several names on this list who could prove well worth a closer look.
Fernando Forestieri
Fernando Forestieri has played in Italy, Spain, England, Malaysia and Cyprus during a varied career that began with Genoa. After spells with Siena, Vicenza, Málaga, Empoli and Bari, he established himself in England with Watford before enjoying his most productive period at Sheffield Wednesday. Forestieri scored 40 league goals in 128 appearances for the Owls and was named their Player of the Year in 2015/16. He later returned to Udinese, won a string of trophies with Johor Darul Ta’zim and most recently played for AEL Limassol.
Now 36, Forestieri can play on either wing, as a second striker or in a central attacking role. His age means he is unlikely to be viewed as a long-term option, but his technical quality, experience and ability to cover several positions could still appeal to League One clubs. He would offer composure in possession, creativity around the penalty area and a different option from the bench, particularly for a side wanting more craft in the final third.
Pajtim Kasami
Pajtim Kasami has built an extensive career across Switzerland, England, Italy and Greece. After coming through at Winterthur and Grasshopper, he had spells with Lazio, Bellinzona and Palermo before joining Fulham in 2011. His time at Craven Cottage included a memorable volley against Crystal Palace, which was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award. Kasami later won league and cup honours with Olympiacos, spent a season on loan at Nottingham Forest and became a regular goalscorer from midfield during spells with Sion and Basel. He has also represented Sampdoria and earned 12 senior caps for Switzerland.
The 34-year-old is a powerful central midfielder who can play as a number eight, operate in a more advanced role or provide a physical presence deeper in the side. His experience at Premier League, Championship and European level would make him an interesting option for an ambitious League One club, particularly one looking for leadership and added goal threat from midfield, like Leicester City. Kasami’s age may limit the length of any deal, but his strength, technical ability and familiarity with English football could allow him to make an immediate impact.
Darragh Lenihan
Lenihan spent more than a decade with Blackburn Rovers after joining their academy as a teenager, making 233 league appearances and eventually becoming club captain. A successful loan spell with Burton Albion helped him break into the Blackburn side, while he later played a key role in their immediate promotion back from League One in 2017/18. The Republic of Ireland international left Ewood Park for Middlesbrough in 2022, where he became an important part of Michael Carrick’s defence before injuries severely restricted his involvement.
Now 32, Lenihan is primarily a centre-back, although he has also played in defensive midfield and at full-back. His leadership, physical strength and extensive Championship experience would make him an obvious target for a League One club seeking an organiser at the heart of its defence. There would be some concern over his recent injury record, but a fit Lenihan could bring authority, aerial presence and promotion-winning experience to a side with ambitions of challenging near the top of the division.
Arvin Appiah
Arvin Appiah came through Nottingham Forest’s academy and made his senior debut in 2018, scoring against Burton Albion in the League Cup. His potential earned him an £8 million move to Almería the following year, but he struggled to secure a permanent place in Spain and subsequently spent time on loan with Lugo, Tenerife and Málaga. Appiah returned to English football with Rotherham United in 2023/24 before further loan spells with Nacional in Portugal and Amiens in France.
Still only 25, Appiah is a winger who can operate on either flank and is at his best when using his pace to attack defenders. His recent record suggests he would arrive with something to prove, but that could make him an attractive option for a League One club willing to give him regular football and a clearly defined role. He has experience of the Championship and several European leagues, while his age means there may still be scope for him to rediscover the promise that first brought him to attention at Forest.
