2 bargain free transfers on Carlisle United radar

As the final two weeks of the transfer window approach, Carlisle United show no signs of coasting through the rest of the month.

Even before the season began, Carlisle manager Paul Simpson indicated that up to three more players could join Brunton Park before the window closes.

Since then, Daniel Adu-Adjei from AFC Bournemouth and free agent Ben Williams have signed, but a series of injuries have also impacted the Blues.

Ethan Robson, Dylan McGeough, Taylor Charters, and Cameron Harper have all suffered injuries of varying degrees just as the new season kicked off. The situation could have been worse if Georgie Kelly’s groin issue, noticed at half-time against Stoke City, had turned out to be more serious.

Financially, United are in a position to bring in a few more players. Simpson has mentioned that the club is revisiting out-of-contract players, as evidenced by Williams’ signing, though he prefers permanent additions.

These two free agents could offer Carlisle a more affordable option to consider.

Harry Kite

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Starting with the most pressing concern: the midfield. The bulk of United’s fitness issues have been concentrated in this area of the pitch.

While a creative midfielder or a number 10 is the clear priority for the Blues, the free agent market doesn’t offer many strong options. However, Harry Kite could provide a valuable addition to their central midfield options, bringing experience and versatility to the squad.

At 24, Harry Kite has 60 League One appearances, a record comparable to Carlisle’s recent signing. Although he fell out of favor last season at Exeter City, he started 32 games in the previous campaign for the Grecians.

While Kite may not be an obvious choice for a potent attacking threat, his addition would enable Simpson to avoid playing Ben Barclay out of position in midfield, allowing Harrison Neal to take on a deeper role.

Hakeeb Adelakun

 

There seems to have been a curious reluctance from the manager to bring in wide forwards this summer, despite his frequent tactical shift from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3, which requires wingers.

Against Gillingham, the team made that switch, with Adu-Adjei and Dan Butterworth playing high and wide, but neither is naturally suited to that role.

Signing someone like Hakeeb Adelakun would provide valuable tactical flexibility, even if Simpson doesn’t intend to start him regularly.

Adelakun, formerly of Lincoln City, spent the latter half of last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he excelled in an attacking role. He delivered an impressive 16 combined goals and assists in 19 appearances—outstanding numbers.

The 28-year-old, who declined a contract offer from Doncaster, is known for driving to the byline and getting into the box—a quality currently lacking in much of Carlisle’s squad.

While his hot streak with Doncaster stands out compared to the rest of his career, as a free agent, Carlisle might find it worthwhile to take a chance on him given his recent form.

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