The best National League signings of the summer so far

Due to the short-term nature of player contracts, most clubs see an overhaul of their squads every summer, with a minimal number of players remaining into the new season.

This year has been no different as sides prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, and there have been a host of eye-catching deals throughout the division.

While it is difficult to predict which transfers will be a roaring success, DAZN News analyses the best signings of the summer so far.

Will Harris - Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United have made several statements of intent this summer as they arm new manager Lee Clark with a threatening attacking arsenal.

Will Harris arrived at the Prestige Group Stadium this summer off the back of the best goalscoring season of his career, having notched 22 National League goals for Halifax Town.

Harris joined the Monkey Hangers on a free transfer from the Shaymen and will be expected to fire his new club towards the top of the table this term.

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Omari Patrick - Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green Rovers are another side with promotion ambitions who will be striving to improve on their seventh-placed finish last term.

Robbie Savage's men scored 82 goals last season and have added further threat to their attack in the form of Omari Patrick after he signed from League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers on a free transfer.

Patrick made 27 goal contributions over the last two campaigns, and if he can replicate his fine form at the New Lawn, then Forest Green will be in the promotion conversation.

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Josh Popoola - Southend United

Josh Popoola established himself as a stellar upcoming talent in the National League South with Maidenhead United, but can he make his mark at a higher level with Southend United?

The 22-year-old certainly has the ability after stunning sixth-tier defenders with his quick turn of pace and ability to score from all sorts of angles, and he should get chances in this Shrimpers side.

Popoola bagged 10 goals and 13 assists last term as Maidenhead reached the play-offs, and he could be one of the standout players in the National League this season.

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Miguel Azeez - Carlisle United

Morecambe may have suffered relegation from the National League, but one man who kept his reputation intact was central midfielder Miguel Azeez.

The England and Arsenal youth product contributed five goals and two assists for the Shrimps and showcased his ability as one of the division's best passers in the process.

A summer move to Carlisle United gives him the opportunity to elevate his game at a sizeable club, and at 23 he has the potential to prove himself at an even higher level.

Jack Nolan - Hartlepool United

Another man who impressed with Morecambe last term was Jack Nolan, who netted 19 times in the National League, but it was not enough to keep the Shrimps in the division.

Nolan also enjoyed a fruitful campaign in League Two during the 2023/24 campaign with Accrington Stanley before a disappointing spell with Gillingham, but has proven his worth in the fifth tier.

With Harris for company, the pair could forge the strikeforce of the season and guide Hartlepool back to League Two after a three-year absence.

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