What happened: Cambridge United have re-signed forward Gassan Ahadme on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic and handed striker Shayne Lavery a new one-year deal at the Abbey Stadium. Both attackers are on board as the club prepares for life back in League One. Ahadme, 25, previously starred on loan with the U's, while Lavery, 27, is staying after helping the side up from League Two.
Why it matters: The double move gives Cambridge proven attacking options for a division they earned promotion into last season. Ahadme knows the club well from a productive earlier spell, and keeping Lavery after he reached free agency locks in a forward who was central to the promotion run. For a newly promoted side, retaining and reinforcing the front line is key to survival.
By the numbers: Ahadme scored four goals in 17 appearances on loan at Stevenage last season before a hip injury ended his campaign in December, and previously netted 11 goals in 29 League One games during a 2023/24 loan at Cambridge. Lavery featured in 30 games and scored seven goals as the club secured promotion on the final day with a 0-0 draw at Crewe.
What to watch: Watch how manager and staff manage Lavery's minutes and whether Ahadme stays fit as Cambridge shape their forward line for the League One campaign.