Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan has outlined the two key positions the club still hopes to fill before the transfer window closes. The League Two side are in talks over a loan deal for Stoke City youngster Favour Fawunmi, while also targeting a new striker and an attacking midfielder to boost their attacking options.
League standing: 19th in England League Two, 49 pts, 13W-10D-23L from 46 games, recent form LDDWL. The club’s transfer fee restriction has limited their ability to sign permanent deals, so patience will be crucial as they balance the books. Cowan admitted some players may need to leave to free up funds, but stressed the importance of timing.
What did Cowan reveal about the transfer targets?
Cowan told reporters: “Yeah, we need to balance a little bit. Some of the transfer-listed players need to probably move on at some point, which they’re eager to do. They want to play football matches and that’ll enable us to get in another striker and another number 10. So yes, we are looking to add, but we have to be patient. We have to get the timing right and obviously we have to balance the books.”
Town have already brought in eight summer signings, with Joe Gbode and Josh Davison arriving on loan. Both arrived after the club’s transfer fee restriction came into play, adding depth to Cowan’s attacking options. The boss admitted Shrewsbury struggled for goals last season, with just 42 scored and 69 conceded (goal difference -27).
Which Shrewsbury Town players could leave?
Among those made available for transfer are experienced duo Sam Clucas and Tom Anderson. Anderson featured in Town’s pre-season opener at Stafford Rangers, and Cowan praised both players for handling the situation professionally. He said: “(I’ve) just had really good conversations with them. They know where it’s at. At the stage of their career, they want to go out and get football. It’s been really amicable. Just two really good professionals. Two really good guys that have still got a lot to offer.”
Forwards Callum Stewart and Ricardo Dinanga were also placed on the transfer list and did not feature in either of Town’s pre-season matches. Cowan insisted both still have plenty to offer elsewhere, despite their current situation at Shrewsbury.
What’s next for Shrewsbury Town?
With the transfer window still open, Cowan’s focus remains on securing the right additions while managing exits. The club’s recent form has been patchy, with no wins in their last five matches (LLDDD) and a 1-0 loss at Gillingham on 2 May 2026. They sit 38 points behind league leaders Bromley, leaving little margin for error.
The boss added: “They’ve got a lot to offer, but with the style of play that we’ve got and again, to balance books and so on and so forth, we’ve had to make that decision. So it is just where it is. But yeah, they’re going to have something to offer someone, definitely.”
