Blackburn Rovers are reportedly keen on securing the services of Lincoln City captain Paudie O’Connor in the January transfer window, as the 27-year-old centre-back nears the end of his current contract.
With his deal set to expire next summer, Rovers, along with Preston North End and Oxford United, are believed to be closely monitoring the Irish defender’s situation. Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider suggests those clubs are locked in a race for the defender, who has had a solid start to the current season.
O’Connor has become one of the standout defenders in the EFL, known not only for his defensive capabilities but also for his contributions in attack. He has already netted two goals and provided two assists in just six League One appearances this season, underlining his value in both penalty areas.
The centre-back was named Lincoln’s captain ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and has retained the armband this season, cementing his leadership role within the squad. Since joining the Imps in 2022, O’Connor has made 104 appearances, establishing himself as a vital part of Michael Skubala’s promotion-chasing team.
While Lincoln are currently third in League One, O’Connor’s suitors may test the club’s resolve in January. Blackburn, in particular, are reportedly interested in bolstering their defensive ranks ahead of a potential Championship promotion push. With Lincoln set to face Blackpool soon, the match could serve as a further scouting opportunity for the interested clubs.
It remains to be seen whether Lincoln will entertain offers in January or risk losing their captain on a free transfer next summer, but O’Connor’s performances have certainly caught the eye of multiple Championship sides.
Who Is Paudie O’Connor?
O’Connor began his professional football career at Limerick FC in his native Ireland, where he made a strong impression as a young centre-back. His performances attracted the attention of English clubs, and in 2017, he made the move to Leeds United. Although he didn’t establish himself as a first-team regular at Elland Road, O’Connor gained valuable experience during loan spells at Blackpool and Bradford City, where he began to demonstrate his defensive solidity and leadership qualities.
In 2019, O’Connor made a permanent switch to Bradford City, where he became a key figure in their backline. Over the course of three seasons, O’Connor made over 100 appearances for the Bantams, further enhancing his reputation as a reliable and combative defender in the lower leagues of English football.
His performances at Bradford earned him a move to Lincoln City in 2022. Since joining the Imps, O’Connor has grown into one of the most respected centre-backs in League One, not only for his defensive skills but also for his ability to contribute in attack. Appointed club captain in 2023, O’Connor has continued to impress with his leadership on the pitch, helping Lincoln challenge for promotion.
Writer’s View
The latest rumours linking Paudie O’Connor with a Championship move seem unlikely, especially considering the source. It’s not the first time Football Insider has reported on potential bids for O’Connor, yet nothing has materialised in the past. Interestingly, these reports rarely come from other outlets, which makes them appear speculative rather than based on solid evidence. While O’Connor’s contract situation may attract interest in January, it feels more like the same old pattern of click-driven transfer rumours rather than any serious movement.
Furthermore, if clubs like Blackburn, Preston, and Oxford were genuinely interested, would they all be named in one go? Typically, transfer pursuits are kept under wraps to avoid unsettling players or creating competition. If Lincoln City were truly looking to sell their captain, it’s more likely the news would come from inside the club rather than an external source. The timing of the rumour is also questionable, with no deals possible until January. Ultimately, this feels like a story built to generate traffic rather than one grounded in reality, so there’s little reason to believe O’Connor will be leaving anytime soon.
