Imps Linked With Move For 24-Year-Old Europa Conference League Defender

August 22, 2025 Gary Lincoln City, Rumours, Transfers 0

Credit Graham Burrell

Reports suggest the Imps are pushing to bring Shamrock Rovers defender Josh Honohan to Sincil Bank before the transfer window closes.

The 24-year-old Cork native has caught the eye since joining the Dublin club last year and is now on the radar of Michael Skubala’s side. However, we’re not alone – League One outfit Wigan and Championship side Stoke amongst the other EFL clubs keen.

Imps Target Emerging Irish Talent

Honohan has been a key part of the Hoops’ recent success, becoming a mainstay in their back line and impressing in Europe. He featured heavily in their run to the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League, which included a memorable trip to Stamford Bridge.

Most recently, he was in the side that claimed a 2-1 victory away to Portuguese outfit Santa Clara in Thursday night’s play-off first leg.

The defender’s versatility has also been noted by Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson, who drafted him into the senior squad for June’s international friendlies, even if he is yet to win a cap. That international recognition underlines the progress he has made since leaving his hometown club to join Shamrock Rovers last season.

The Irish Examiner suggest City are prepared to pay around €350,000 (£300,000) to secure his signature, while the Irish Independent reports a fee closer to £350,000. That would represent another significant investment for us, but we do appear keen to strengthen before the deadline, and have already flexed with the arrival of Ivan Varfolomeev.

Honohan’s performances for Shamrock Rovers this season show a defender combining versatility with consistency. He has featured at left-back, wing-back, centre-back and even on the right, yet the underlying numbers highlight the same strengths across each role. His passing is tidy and reliable, averaging 28 per game at 80% accuracy, with certain matches, such as the win over Waterford, seeing him complete 32 of 36 (89%).

Defensively, Honohan is strong in duels, winning around 59% on the ground and 55% in the air. He averages close to four interceptions a game, with standout numbers of six and seven in matches against Derry City and Ballkani. His recoveries, almost seven per outing in the opposition half, show how aggressively he pushes up to regain possession. He also competes in over 19 duels per game, regularly winning close to 60%, evidence of both tenacity and consistency.

Honohan adds value going forward too. He has three goals this season, including a sharp finish against Sligo and another in Europe against Ballkani. His shooting numbers are efficient, averaging almost one effort per game with a third hitting the target, while his xG of 0.12 per 90 is notable for a defender. He has also contributed assists, proving capable of delivering end product in the final third.

Above all, he is durable. He plays 90 minutes almost every time, whether in Europe or at home, maintaining the same statistical output. A versatile defender with reliability, defensive bite and a goal threat, Honohan’s numbers underline why he has attracted serious interest.

Viable?

I think this has the air of a Lincoln City signing, if I’m honest. Whether it’s something we can pull off is another matter, but we need a left back. This doesn’t feel like idle paper speculation at all, rather the exact profile of player we want, the exact position and with many of the attributes shining throguh his stats.