Notts County "feeder club" claim made as Alassana Jatta named in exit debate | OneFootball

Notts County may struggle to keep hold of the striker in January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Notts County have bounced back from the heartbreak of last season’s play-off shortcomings to make a competitive start to the 2025/26 League Two campaign.

After waving goodbye to former boss Stuart Maynard, Martin Paterson was appointed as the man to take over the task of guiding County back up the Football League.

The Magpies started this season with two defeats in their opening three games, potentially still feeling a hangover from last term’s disappointment. However, performances slowly started to improve, and they have since won three of their last four encounters.

Notts County’s recent transfer window was relatively successful, as 11 new players walked through the doors at Meadow Lane, including the likes of Oliver Norburn, Matthew Dennis and Maziar Kouhyar.

The summer wasn’t without some regret however, as talented operators such as David McGoldrick and Alex Bass left the club to pursue pastures new, depleting County of some of their biggest assets.

During the early stages of the season, certain players have stood out in Paterson’s side as the stars to lead the project forward. Matthew Dennis perhaps fits that bill best, scoring six goals in his opening seven fourth-tier games.

This flying form is likely to attract the attention of other clubs up and down the EFL, who will already be planning ahead to the January window.

However, Football League World’s Notts County fan pundit, Gareth Parr, is more wary of another one of the Magpies’ forwards leaving in the near future.

Notts County star’s exit feared in January transfer window

“Two weeks ago, you would have said Alassana Jatta was likely to leave,” stated Gareth.

“But he's had an extra year added to his contract, so he's been extended to 2027. Obviously, that will have an impact on any price the club may want for him come January.

“Notts County is a club that is generally around to develop young players. It's always going to be a feeder club for those further up the league hierarchy.

“Anybody that comes along and offers decent money, especially for a homegrown player or someone that's come in relatively cheap, then the club would be foolish to say no.”

Matthew Dennis' form may ease Notts County’s Alassana Jatta concerns

Fitness issues have limited Jatta’s impact on Notts County at the start of the 2025/26 League One campaign. However, his first start of the season showed roots of promise, with the forward providing an assist against Fleetwood Town.

Last term saw the 26-year-old score 22 times for the Magpies across all competitions, which naturally led to rumours linking him with a move away from Meadow Lane. Football League World exclusively revealed that Bolton Wanderers were keeping tabs on the striker, but a move never materialised.

If he continues that form into this season, interest will likely resurface in January and if presented with a huge bid, Notts County will feel inclined to sell.

However, the blow of losing Jatta will be softened immensely because of Dennis’ goalscoring exploits.

The 23-year-old has stepped up to the mark during the opening stages of this campaign and has proved he has what it takes to be County’s main man up front.

Therefore, if they have to sell Jatta in January, Paterson and Co. will feel greatly comforted at the fact that they already have a proven replacement in their ranks.