Five Players That Should Interest Lincoln City This Summer

May 3, 2024 Gary Lincoln City 0

Marc Leonard

Midfielder (6 or 8)

Brighton & Hove Albion

Towards the end of this season, it could be argued that the lack of midfield depth finally caught up with The Imps, meaning we narrowly missed out on the play-offs. With Mandroiu and Bishop reportedly out of contract, Ethan Hamilton potentially missing the beginning of pre-season, and Ethan Erhahon not being short of suitors, next season’s midfield may have a very different look.

For City to build upon the great progress made this season, adding midfield quality is clearly important. Recruiting a high-quality player who can replace Erhahon in the six role if necessary or (ideally) play next to him in a midfield two is likely a high priority.

Brighton’s Marc Leonard will be a sought-after player this summer, but The Imps are an attractive club these days. Should Championship clubs not deem Leonard ready for the step up, City could well find themselves towards the front of the queue for the Scotsman’s signature.

Leonard joined Brighton’s Academy in 2018 from Hearts and made two appearances in the EFL Cup in 21/22 before two seasons on loan at Northampton Town in League Two and League One respectively.

Despite being just 22 years of age, a future at Brighton looks unlikely, considering their array of established midfielders of a similar age or younger. It’s possible Northampton will feel a permanent deal is feasible with a likely positive relationship between club and player built over two seasons. However, with The Cobbler’s season petering out (17th in the table over the last 20 matches) and The Imps’ second half of the season demonstrating automatic promotion form, it’s possible that prospective signings may see City as the more attractive option.

Leonard has excelled in League One this season, starting every match and completing 90 minutes in all but one. He notched 5 goals and 5 assists from a primarily deeper central position, albeit in a fluid Cobblers midfield, highlighting his tactical intelligence. The Scotsman was usually the player tasked with receiving the ball in deep build up and responsible for progressing play. Often dropping wide of, or between central defenders and receiving under pressure, he played a pivotal role in Jon Brady’s system and would certainly add quality to The Imps’ midfield.

Statistically, Leonard stands out as a high performer in League One. Defensively, his numbers are very impressive; being involved in the fifth most defensive duels, averaging a huge 9.54 recoveries per match but only picking up 3 bookings all season is outstanding. He also ranks 20th for interceptions, a metric dominated by central defenders with Paudie O’Connor the only Imps player appearing ahead of him in the rankings.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Leonard’s ball-playing ability catches the eye. He has attempted the fourth most passes out of anyone in League One this season and the 13th most though passes, being the fifth most accurate, which is impressive considering his deeper starting position. He also ranks eight for both smart passes and passes into the final third, highlighting his on-ball quality.

With his deal expiring in 2025, Leonard’s signature would require a fee. According to both Wyscout and Transfermarkt, the Scotsman’s value is listed between £300-400k which would be a near club-record fee for The Imps. A sum towards the lower end of that range plus a reasonable sell-on percentage could convince Brighton to agree to a deal.

This would certainly be an ambitious move for Lincoln but the deal would represent good value for a proven performer in League One with high potential and substantial prospective sell-on profit.