A compensation package has been agreed between Lincoln City and an unnamed club for Sean Roughan, who will be free to move on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract next month.
With clubs announcing their retained lists, one player who many EFL clubs have been keeping an eye on is Lincoln City’s Sean Roughan.
Reports have linked the 21-year-old with Bolton Wanderers and Hearts; however, a deal is not so simple due to parameters surrounding the player’s age and time spent at Lincoln, having joined the club five years ago.
This means that any potential deal would require a compensation fee for the player, which appears to be the case according to reports from Pete O’Rourke.
Roughan played all 46 of Lincoln’s League One fixtures throughout 2024-25, his reliability and versatility at the age of 21 have established him as one of the EFL’s most prized prospects.
You can find all the retained lists when they are released on our Retained List Tracker.
Unnamed club to discuss terms with Sean Roughan
Having agreed on a compensation fee for the young defender, this would give permission for the player and buying club to discuss personal terms before any potential signing.
While the Imps would prefer to keep the player at the club and have likely offered a new deal, transferring interest further up the ladder would suggest that another year at Sincil Bank is far from the reality.
Given the age and potential of Roughan, it would be no shock to see either of the previously linked Bolton Wanderers or Hearts to have accelerated their interest in the early stages of the window.
The reported compensation fee would be calculated on numerous factors, resulting in the greatest potential profit for the Lincolnshire club.
While not ideal, this profit is complimentary to Lincoln City’s transfer model, which has seen the club unearth gems that have moved on for profit.
Defensive departures at Lincoln City
Roughan is not the only defender at Lincoln City likely to leave the club, with club captain Paudie O’Connor set to part ways at the end of his contract.
Exclusively reported by THEDECK, Stoke City and Derby County currently lead the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.
This poses the prospect of a defensive rebuild for Michael Skubala this summer, with two of his established central defenders set for moves further up the pyramid.
These transfers are disappointing but also expected, and are much to the of Lincoln’s recruitment over the years.
With the agreed club yet to be named, it is looking more likely that the youngster’s days at Sincil Bank are numbered.