Lincoln City face a tough summer ahead as they attempt to keep hold of defenders Paudie O’Connor and Sean Roughan, with the two Irish men both out of contract at the end of June 2025 and attracting interest from suitors higher up. This could lead to the two leaving on a free transfer if they don’t accept the offers on the table.
The duo were both first team regulars with the Imps this season with Roughan playing every minute in League One and O’Connor only missing games due to 2 red cards throughout the season.
Both adapted well to the change in formation that Michael Skubala implemented when he changed it to a 4-2-3-1 following the acquisition of experienced forward James Collins.
CEO Jez George did sound confident though when speaking to BBC Radio Lincs Sport on O’Connor signing a new deal, despite the club signing the 27 year old in similar circumstances when he joined from Bradford upon the expiration of his contract with them.
George was less optimistic about Roughan resigning though, despite this, the League One club would be entitled to some compensation though with them being instrumental in the young mans development and the fact he is under 24. This would happen by way of a fee or if a fee couldn’t be agreed then possibly a tribunal.
On top of the two players already mentioned, the Imps also face a fight to keep Central Midfielder Ethan Erhahon who has been attracting interest from Swansea City, with the Championship club already allegedly having a bid rejected for the Scotsman.
This doesn’t seem to have put them off though and they’re expected to come back with an improved offer for the 23 year old who is on a “long term” deal that was signed in January 2023, so Michael Skubala’s side are within their rights to demand a fee for the player who has been instrumental since signing from St Mirren.
The League One side are also hopeful of 18 year old Zane Okoro signing his first professional contract with the club but they face a fight for the strikers signature with Premier League club Bournemouth, the Cherries would put Okoro on their academy pathway with the hopes of him eventually making the first team.
Lincoln City could well need to sign a Left Back, a Centre Back, a Central Midfielder and a Striker, if the quartet all decide to take on new adventures. Who would you like to see Skubala and the board target? Let us know in the comments!
