Lincoln City have released their retained list following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Two players have been released following the expiration of their contract at the Imps. Firstly, Hakeeb Adelakun departs Sincil Bank after three years with the club. Adelakun signed for City under Michael Appleton during the summer of 2021. The winger made 56 appearances in all competitions, including 19 games during the 23/24 League One season. His best game in an Imps shirt came in an unexpected return to the first team against Charlton Athletic, scoring two goals against his former manager. He moved to Doncaster Rovers on loan in January, and has been in great form for the League Two side, who secured playoffs in the final few weeks of the season. Adelakun has 9 goals and 7 assists in 19 games for Grant McCann’s side and a return this summer looks likely.
The bigger news is TJ Eyoma departing the club after 4 and half years as an Imp. Originally signing on loan in January 2020, his deal was made permanent after a second loan spell in the summer of 2021. The defender has made 148 appearances for City, scoring 5 goals. Three of his goals have come this season, with the last one coming in a 6-0 rout against Cambridge at Sincil Bank. Eyoma was one of Michael Skubala’s most consistent performers over Christmas, but lost his place after Blackpool away. City went on a run of just two defeats in 20 games since Eyoma’s final start, with the likes of Alex Mitchell and Paudie O’Connor in great form. Eyoma has plenty of quality, but his departure is a sensible one, as he’ll search for more regular game time at this level, which he is fully capable of.
In terms of the other out of contract players, the Imps have taken up an option to extend the contract of wing-back Lasse Sorensen. The 23/24 AllLincoln Player of the Season has been one of City’s top performers and will be here for the 24/25 season as City look to challenge for promotion to the Championship. Conversations for new contracts are ongoing with Teddy Bishop, Danny Mandroiu and Lewis Montsma as well as Hayden Cann and Elicha Ahui, for whom the club have option agreements.
Alex Mitchell, Conor McGrandles, Jack Burroughs and Joe Taylor all return to their parent clubs after their loan deals. All four of the players remain under contract with their parent clubs too, so if any were to return another loan or a permanent transfer for a fee would have to be arranged.
Players under contract for 2024/25:
Adam Jackson
Ali Smith
Ben House
Dylan Duffy
Ethan Erhahon
Ethan Hamilton
Freddie Draper
Jack Moylan
Jaden Brown
Jay Benn
Jovon Makama
Jordan Wright
Lukas Jensen
MJ Kamara
Oisin Gallagher
Paudie O’Connor
Reeco Hackett
Sam Long
Sean Roughan
Tyler Walker
Zak Bradshaw