EFL club hit with transfer ban as statement released

League Two side Shrewsbury Town have been handed a transfer ban for the remainder of this summer’s window.

Shrewsbury will no longer be able to buy any players after being placed under an embargo by the EFL on Monday afternoon.

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They will, however, still be permitted to bring in free agents and loan players over the coming weeks until the September 1 deadline.

The EFL have punished the fourth-tier outfit due to a late payment for a loan agreement, which breached regulations.

Shrewsbury confirmed the news in a statement, writing: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm the club has been placed under a one-window transfer fee restriction under EFL Regulation 52.6.

“The restriction applies only for the duration of the current summer transfer window, which closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026, and affects only the registration of players where a transfer fee is payable.

“Supporters can be reassured that the club remains able to sign free agents and loan players throughout the remainder of the window, meaning the manager will continue to have the opportunity to strengthen his squad despite the restriction.

“The restriction follows a late payment to a club in relation to a loan agreement, which was made outside the timescale required under EFL regulations.

“As soon as the club became aware the payment had not been made as expected, the outstanding amount was settled in full immediately.

“The club accepts full responsibility for the late payment and has taken the necessary steps to ensure a similar situation does not arise again.

“We would once again like to reassure supporters that the manager will continue to be able to strengthen his squad during the remainder of this transfer window through free-agent and loan signings.

“The restriction applies solely to the registration of players whose transfer involves the payment of a fee.”

No more spending

Shrewsbury, who narrowly avoided relegation from League Two last term, will no longer be able to buy players this summer.

Manager Gavin Cowan can still sign free agents or loan players, but he can’t spend any money to improve his squad.

Fortunately, he had already secured a few new faces prior to the transfer ban, with one of them bought for a fee.

Shrewsbury signed Isaac Fletcher from Barrow last month for an undisclosed fee, just before the embargo.

Another five players have joined the club on free deals too.

Jay Turner-Cooke, Arkell Jude-Boyd, Josh Davison, Byron Pendleton and Jack Price have all arrived in recent weeks.

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Cowan will hope that, despite the ban, his new additions will help them to a better finish in League Two next term.

A 19th-place finish last season followed relegation from League One the year prior, so positivity is needed at the Croud Meadow Stadium, with the embargo certainly not helping to achieve that.