League One Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala has sent a clear message to League Two title hopefuls Walsall, that young striker Freddie Draper will not be sold.
Reports emerged earlier in the week that Walsall were interested in bringing Draper back to the club after he spent the first half of last season on loan at the League Two side. The Saddlers had been rocked by the recall of their star striker Nathan Lowe and were looking to replace him to continue their push into the third tier. Journalist Ben Jacobs insisted that a deal was close.
However, an update later emerged that indicated the Imps had decided to reject the offer, reportedly in the region of £230,000 in a major blow to Matt Sadler’s title hopefuls. It was also suggested that Lincoln City could even look to extend his deal.
Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala Sends Clear Message to Walsall
Following the Imps’ victory over Northampton Town on Saturday, their first win of 2025, manager Michael Skubala was asked about the striker’s future by BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Michael Hortin.
“No, not leaving the club.” states Skubala.
“He is part of us at this moment in time he is not leaving the club, he is part of us.”
“I think he gives us something different. He is one of our own that we want to look after.”
“But he still has development to do, but no he is staying with us.”
“We really believe in Freddie, and I think today in these kinds of games you see where Freddie comes alive.”
“He was holding it up for us and picking up bits and I think he was great”
“He can do that and it’s the physicality of this league that is really important.
“He still has a lot to learn but today showed why he is at the club.”
Blow to Walsall
With the reports earlier in the week it appeared as though it would be a case of when not if Draper would be returning to Walsall. However, this ‘U-turn’ will come as a real blow as they continue to look for a replacement for the league’s top scorer.
It is unknown at this time where their attention will turn, but as we enter the latter half of the transfer window, time is starting to run out.
Lincoln City’s Striking Good News
Skubala’s messaging was clear and concise ruling out a departure firmly. He also indicated that Baily Cadamarteri will now be staying at the club, with the window to recall the striker having passed and with news that the club are nearing the signing of James Collins from Derby County, the forward line appears to be getting stronger as we enter the second half of the season.