Several sides across League One and League Two are eyeing a move for veteran forward and former Rotherham United player Kyle Vassell.
The 33-year-old has spent the past year in the United States, playing for second-tier side Colorado Springs Switchbacks, marking his second stint in North America after a previous spell at San Diego Loyal.
EFL Interest Emerges
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, a move back to England is on cards for the striker after becoming a free agent this summer, which would mark his first stint in the EFL since a brief spell with Cheltenham Town during their time in League One.
Both teams from the third tier and League Two are believed to be eyeing a move for Vassell, who has a two-year, 20-goal stint with Kilmarnock between 2023 and 2025.
A journeyman across his time in the English football pyramid, Vassell played for multiple different clubs, including Blackpool and Rotherham United.
His highest goal tally came at Bloomfield Road, scoring 13 times across all competitions in their promotion campaign from League Two under the guidance of Gary Bowyer.
The two-time Northern Irish international has spent the past two weeks as part of the PFA’s free agent pre-season campaign, scoring in their opening game against a team of unattached French players.
Kyle Vassell 👏
PFA XI 2-1 UNFP https://t.co/IduqbEWbDz pic.twitter.com/A19SmQGvKW
— PFA (@PFA) July 8, 2026
Speaking to Sky Sports about his hopes of finding a new club, Vassell said:
“I got back home in April, so I’ve not been in a professional environment for months. I really needed this [PFA pre-season] so was delighted to get going straight away. I’m trying to get back in the league, so I’m using it as a showcase.
“I’ve never had a period like that out of the game. It was a bad situation. We went over to America to try and win that league, but it just wasn’t the right environment. I just had to get out as it wasn’t working for me.
“All I want to do is, ideally, get back into the English game. I just want to get in and get another promotion again. I’m dying for one. I want to get in the building and drag a team up the league somehow.
“I want to be at the best level, the best club I can play for and make me and my family proud again. I know I’m at the tail-end of my career now, so I just want to make the most of it and enjoy all of it.
“I wasted a lot of time in my 20s probably doing the wrong things, probably not living as well as I could, but now I do everything right. I’m grateful for the career I’ve had, but I still want more. I feel like I’ve got a new hunger.”
Who Could Use Vassell?
At 33, Kyle Vassell is far from in his prime, but is seemingly determined to prove himself in English football for one last ride before his retirement.
Having never been a particularly clinical forward in his career, he may not be a leading option for many clubs, but will feel he can deliver in a rotational role if afforded the opportunity.
He could be of use for Blackpool as a potential backup following Ashley Fletcher’s exit to Huddersfield Town, but may not have the quality required for Ian Evatt to entertain that option.
A move to a League Two club feels much more likely, and with Rotherham United at risk of losing Sam Nombe following a bid from MK Dons, a free agent signing of their former striker may be appealing.
Newport County face a similar issue of needing new striker depth, and with a relative level of inexperience within the squad, adding a more veteran option to their line could be of use.
