It has not been an easy start to the summer transfer window for Lincoln City with the likes of Sean Roughan, Paudie O’Connor and the impressive AFC Wimbledon loanee Alistair Smith departing. The Imps have now reportedly missed out on one of their targets this summer as a move to a League One rival is set to close.
The only additions to the playing squad this summer have been the arrivals of defenders Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler to replace the outgoing duo of Roughan and O’Connor.
Additions in Attack Required at Lincoln City
Attacking output was very much a key reason behind the Imps missing out on a play-off spot. Only James Collins reached double figures, and the 34-year-old was a January signing, making just 14 starts in his total of 20 outings for the club.
Creativity was also an issue as Lincoln City ranked 14th for big chances created, but the lack of a consistent goalscorer was ultimately their undoing. One player who did find the back of the net was Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Gardner. The forward arrived on loan at the end of January, having impressed in Forest’s development side.
He had scored six goals in 12 matches at Premier League 2 level and opened his account for the Imps in a 4-1 win over Crawley Town in March.
After a red card on his debut, Gardner had just broken into the first team playing off the left as the campaign came to a close. It appeared he would be ready to kick on for the 2025/26 campaign. Reports are now stating that his immediate future will not be at the LNER Stadium.
Gardner Set For League One Move
The 20-year-old had returned to Forest this summer after his first regular run of senior football, having made his debut for the Premier League side in the FA Cup in 2024. Alan Nixon (paywall) is reporting that Lincoln City wanted the player to return for the upcoming campaign. The same source indicates that a move to League One rivals Mansfield Town is nearing completion.
Nigel Clough’s side finished in 17th place in League One and were an entertaining watch for much of the campaign. They may be able to offer a more regular place in the starting line-up for Gardner, who made just four of his 11 appearances at Lincoln City from the starting line-up.
Mansfield Town have brought in five permanent signings this summer in addition to a loan for Kyle McAdam. If the deal for Gardner does close, the club will have two loanees from Forest on their books, as 20-year-old McAdam was a regular starter in their development side alongside Gardner.