The summer transfer window is slowly getting going and with lots of clubs releasing retained lists, many players are looking for new clubs and one of them players will be Max Sanders.
Lincoln City announced last week that 24-year-old midfielder Sanders would leave the League One side at the end of his current contract after spending two and a half seasons in Lincolnshire. Sanders made 72 appearances for the Imps, scoring just twice and will now be looking for a new club next season.
Mark Kennedy has previously made it clear that he liked the midfielder, but with the arrival of the impressive Ethan Erhahon in January from St Mirren, he wasn’t able to give him the needed game time last season to help him develop. The Imps will now look for other midfielders in the summer as they look to build on an 11th-placed finish.
Sanders signed for the Imps in February 2021, as Michael Appleton looked to improve his squad for the League One promotion run-in. However, a string of injuries cost Sanders a place in the team as they reached the play-off final, which they ultimately lost 2-1 to Blackpool.
The following season was a nightmare for Sanders, as he once again struggled for time on the pitch under Appleton. The start of 22/23 saw a change in fortune for Sanders with Mark Kennedy appointed as head coach, but he slowly fell out the side with the impressive form of Virtue and Erhahon.
Sanders’ next move must be the right, so let’s take a look at five potential destinations for the midfielder.
Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient could be the perfect move for Sanders as he looks to get his once-promising career back on track. Orient achieved promotion back to League One last season, and will now be looking for League One quality players to help keep them in the division, and Sanders could provide them with just that.
Richie Wellens will be looking for midfielders with Idris Mizouni returning to Ipswich and Craig Clay being released. Sanders offers versatility and is able to play a number of midfield roles as well as having League One experience, which will be paramount for them heading into the 23/24 campaign.
AFC Wimbledon
Sanders was highly thought of at AFC Wimbledon after an impressive loan spell in the capital from Brighton and Hove-Albion. A return to a club where he enjoyed success could be on the cards, even if it means he has to drop divisions.
Wimbledon will be hoping to push themselves up League Two next season and the signing of Sanders could be a real show of intent from Johnnie Jackson. Not only would Sanders provide Wimbledon with a talented midfielder, but Wimbledon would provide Sanders with an opportunity to impress and earn his way back up to League One.
Notts County
Many will be expecting Sanders to head back down south towards Brighton when looking for his next club, but if the terms are right he may look towards newly-promoted side Notts County, who earned their way back into the Football League in the National League play-off final recently against Chesterfield.
County will be looking to build on an incredible campaign, which saw them finish 2nd with 107 points and the signing of Sanders could help them build back towards becoming an established Football League club and potentially challenging in the top half of League Two.
Sanders’ energetic box-to-box style of play suits Notts too and could offer Luke Williams something different going into next season.
Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town could be another destination for Sanders and one that would see him remain in League One next season.
Shrewsbury will be looking to build on a good season in League One finishing twelfth and they will need to bolster their midfield, with Carl Winchester leaving the club after his loan expired. Sanders offers Shrewsbury a quality League One midfielder and he could suit their system, having played in a midfield two for Lincoln last season.
Cambridge United
Cambridge United once again offers Sanders a chance to stay in League One next season and he could be a great fit for Mark Bonner’s side.
Bonner will be hoping for a bigger summer of recruitment after Cambridge just managed to stay up on the final day of last season thanks to a win against Forest Green. Cambridge will also be on the lookout for a replacement for Conor McGrandles, who impressed on loan at the Abbey Stadium, and Sanders could be a perfect replacement for his Ex-Lincoln City teammate.
As well as McGrandles set to depart Cambridge, fellow midfielder Liam O’Neill will also leave at the end of his current deal, so the signing of Sanders could be a very useful one for Bonner and his side.
Sanders will be a player with plenty of options this summer in both League One and League Two, where do you think he’ll end up?
