League One and Two clubs are beginning to plot moves for free agent Sonny Aljofree following his release from Manchester United.
The defender spent the first half of last season on loan at Notts County, playing 11 times for the Magpies, who went on to win promotion to the third tier through the playoffs.
Free Agent Move Planned
According to Daniel Marsh of the Daily Mirror in their transfer blog, multiple unnamed sides in both League One and League Two are eyeing a move for the 21-year-old following his exit from Old Trafford.
A fairly experienced figure for his age in the EFL, the Plymouth-born centre-back made his senior football debut in his first loan spell with Accrington Stanley, where he played 27 times in a turbulent season for the Lancashire side.
A youth captain at the Under-21s level for the Red Devils, he has an FA Youth Cup to his name from the 2022 season, playing alongside both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho among others.
He was sent to Notts County at the start of last season as Martin Paterson looked to shape his squad up for a promotion challenge, and would represent the club 11 times before United opted to recall Aljofree, spending the remainder of the campaign as part of their Premier League 2, finishing second in the regular season table.
Sensible Move To Make
For many sides, a swoop for Sonny Aljofree would be a sensible and frugal decision to make, with a cheap deal for a defender who has shown glimpses of promise in senior football.
He was one of the few highlights in an otherwise tough season for Accrington Stanley, and while he was not afforded regular minutes at the Crown Ground, he did not look out of place in a defence that was up against it in League Two.
While he did have the favour of Martin Paterson during his first month at Meadow Lane, he was quickly benched in favour of Lewis Macari, who stepped up as a key figure in the Magpies’ promotion efforts.
A move to a League One club may still be too soon for Aljofree given his failure to step up as a regular at Notts County, but a permanent stint at a League Two club could be the best path forward for him to progress up the leagues.
Salford City could be a good destination to head to if they show interest, with the Ammies needing to replace Alfie Dorrington, Tom Edwards and potentially Ollie Turton, who has been offered a new contract.
While they still await a new manager following the shock sacking of Karl Robinson, the Moor Lane side have shown a willingness to afford youngsters opportunities in the past, with Stephan Negru a standout during his loan spell at the club.
