York City star Ollie Pearce has been at the centre of a rejected bid from the EFL, but what should the 29-year-old opt to do with his career this summer?
Pearce joined York last summer on a free transfer from National League South side Worthing and took the division by storm once again – securing the golden boot in the process.
Unsurprisingly, these performances have likely caught the attention of several clubs across the EFL, with Pearce giving off a Macaulay Langstaff vibe with his numbers – though age isn’t necessarily on his side.
With a likely busy summer on his hands, what does the future hold?
York reject Pearce bid
As reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, York City have rejected a bid worth approximately £150,000 for Ollie Pearce from an unnamed League Two side.
The initial reaction from York supporters was one of humour rather than concern, with several fans questioning the money involved.
However, there could be factors at play that explain the offer that may have been over-looked.
For example, Pearce is 29 and has only been on the professional scene within the last couple of seasons and age isn’t necessarily on his side when it comes to pursuing a likely dream of playing in the EFL – especially if York fail to gain promotion for a second-season running.
Similarly, when clubs enter talks regarding a player, the likelihood is that the buying club would gain a rough idea on the price tag the selling club would want. Though this isn’t confirmed or revealed, the unnamed club may not be too far away from the valuation when you consider his age.
Also, it is worth noting that opening offers are also usually lower.
How did he fare last season?
After arriving from Worthing after guiding them to a play-off final, Pearce set to work to try and pick up where he left off at his new side.
He scored his first goal from the penalty spot in game two for York (2-0 win over Tamworth), but between August and mid-October, Pearce had scored just three in his first 14 matches.
However, this was quickly obliterated by the 29-year-old – scoring 11 goals in his next eight games which included his first hat-trick against Yeovil Town.
Pearce ended the 2024/25 season with 31 goals and eight assists in 46 matches for York City, a record that Langstaff himself would have been proud of.
What should Pearce do?
Despite missing out on promotion last season, York City have already responded quickly by bringing in midfielder Ollie Banks from Chesterfield.
Manager Adam Hinshelwood is currently involved in reports linking him away from York City to pursue an EFL move, which ultimately could have a knock-on effect on Pearce given the pair worked together at Worthing too.
Pearce is 29 now and is at a stage where he needs to be pushing to achieve his EFL dream – but he has to weigh up whether giving another season at York would bring promotion, or if he is better suited to moving on this summer.
Though it is very unlikely, Pearce is only an injury away from possibly missing out on his EFL dreams altogether and that is likely to be another factor that should be considered.
On the other hand, he was the main man at York City last season and seemingly had the entire division at his feet. York are most-likely going to find themselves in another title/promotion race next season, which is very persuasive in itself.
If a top-half League Two side came calling with the chance to make Pearce their main man up top next season, it would arguably be very tough to turn down, especially if the transfer fee also met York’s demands.