Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala has admitted the club may struggle to keep hold of midfielder Ethan Erhahon this summer.
The Imps agonisingly missed out on a place in the League One play-offs yesterday afternoon after going down 2-0 to champions Portsmouth at the LNER Stadium. Beginning the day in sixth place, Lincoln knew that they had to match Oxford United‘s result to extend their season. However, the U’s secured a 2-1 win away at Exeter City to move to fifth as Barnsley could only muster a 1-1 draw with Northampton Town.
It was heartbreak for the East Midlanders, who had enjoyed an excellent second half of the campaign to put themselves in contention. Yesterday’s reverse was only their second loss in their last 20 outings.
Work is already underway ahead of next season, where Lincoln will be hoping to build on their seventh-placed finish. It is expected to be a busy summer at Sincil Bank, with key stars such as Alex Mitchell and Joe Taylor returning to their parent clubs after a successful loan spell.
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There could also be interest in a number of first team stars. Clubs will have taken note of their dramatic upturn in fortunes over the past few months and there is an expectation that there may be some enquiries over the summer break.
One of those that Skubala believes could be on the move is midfielder Ethan Erhahon. The 22-year-old rounded off an excellent season by winning the fan’s Player of the Season award, but the former Leeds United coach admits they may struggle to keep hold of him:
“He’s been phenomenal,” Skubala told club media after the former Scotland under-21 international picked up his individual award. “For me, he’s the best number six in the league by a mile.
“I think we’ll probably struggle to keep hold of him if I’m honest, but what a player he is.
“He’s growing all the time and you forget he’s only 22. He’s so young as well.Â
“He’s got such a huge desire to win. It upsets him a lot, but throughout the season he’s been magnificent.”
Erhahon only joined the League One outfit in January 2023, penning a long-term deal upon signing from Scottish outfit St Mirren. He has been an almost ever-present this season, making 50 appearances in all competitions.
Writer’s View
Lincoln’s failure to secure an unlikely spot in the Championship means that interest in some of their stars from the league above is almost inevitable. Erhahon will surely be one of those, although his long-term deal means the club will be protected by a significant fee.
The 22-year-old has become a huge fan favourite at Sincil Bank and fans will hope he is willing to remain and have one more shot at promotion. His potential departure would create a huge hole in Skubala’s midfield and he would prove exceptionally difficult to replace. However, romance aside, he is a player who looks destined to play at a higher level.