Championship sides Derby County and Stoke City are the latest clubs to express an interest in Lincoln City captain Paudie O’Connor as the defender nears the exit door at the LNER Stadium, sources have exclusively revealed to THE DECK.
The Irishman’s contract is set to run its course in the summer transfer window, and although Lincoln City have made what has been described as a “good offer”, interest from the league above means it is more likely he will be playing his season elsewhere.
There is interest from League One, with Football League World earlier reporting that Huddersfield Town and Barnsley were amongst those from the third tier to be interested. THE DECK understands that one of these clubs is not far from the truth with most League One clubs likely to hold some level of interest, but a move to an ambitious promotion-hunting League One side or Championship club is preferable.
Derby County and Stoke City Express an Interest
The transfer window is not open yet, but clubs from the Championship have already started to express their interest in O’Connor. Derby County and Stoke are the first two sides to firmly express an interest, with more expected to arrive over the next few weeks.
With Paudie’s stats amongst the top players in the division, and the lack of a transfer fee, it makes him an exciting prospect.
You can find all the retained lists when they are released on our Retained List Tracker.
A Huge But Not Unexpected Loss for Lincoln City
As Paudie O’Connor entered the final year of his contract, the Lincoln City board will have likely taken note of how he arrived from Bradford City following the expiry of his contract in 2022. The Imps have made attempts to keep hold of one of their star players, but will likely be unable to match the financial might or short-term ambitions of the other interested parties.
O’Connor has more than earned a place amongst the best defenders in League One. Football statistics website WhoScored, which is often shared by the EFL League One official pages, placed the Irishman in their team of the season, with the second highest rating of any player (7.44), only behind Lloyd Jones of Charlton Athletic (7.56).
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Rating | |
| Lincoln City 2024/25 | 38 | 3 | 5 | 7.44 |
| Lincoln City Total | 141 | 8 | 10 | |
| Bradford City Total | 129 | 8 | 3 |