Derby County have become the latest reported name to hold an interest in Lincoln City’s nearly out-of-contract defender, Paudie O’Connor. Talks have been unveiled as ongoing.
The League One mainstay centre-back has served as the Imps’ captain in a large period of time since joining from Bradford City in 2022. As a former Leeds United prospect, O’Connor has made 141 appearances for Lincoln.
Derby have opened talks with the Irish defender, with the former Limerick defender now being targeted by a host of established League One and Championship sides. Wycombe Wanderers – who have emerged as third tier frontrunners – are joined by Barnsley and Huddersfield Town. The second division sides are as follows: Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United, Stoke City and now Derby.
Last season, as a standout performer in a comparatively average Imps side to 2023/24’s for example, the 27-year-old scored four goals and provided four assists in 45 domestic appearances.
Quality in defence is in abundance at County however, with Matt Clarke and Sondre Klingen Langås offering healthy competition should O’Connor join. The Nottinghamshire side are yet to announce any summer transfer arrivals but have parted ways with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to Milton Keynes Dons as well as overseen several contract expirations including: Tom Barkhuizen, Jeff Hendrick, Tyrese Fornah, etc.
The ex-Bradford centre-back was nearly in the 98th percentile for most aerial duels won per 90 minutes last campaign, with an exceptional 7.46. O’Connor also made the most interceptions of all defenders in League One as the 27-year-old executed 86.
Upon signing for Lincoln in 2022, O’Connor explained his overall aim for his spell with City:
“I wanted to pick somewhere I could develop and have the opportunity to play another 40 plus games a season, as I have over the past few years.”
It would be safe to say this has been carried out over three seasons, which has culminated in garnering interest from League One and Championship outfits, with the oversight for the centre-back being another step-up in divisions.
Writer’s View
O’Connor has proved his worth as a solid leader in a League One backline, offering important goal involvements in an often play-off pushing Lincoln side. The transition to the second division can be extremely difficult for some, but the Irishman already has the perfect qualities for a counter-attacking lower-end of the table side.
The defender’s immense threat in the air on either end of the pitch, make him the perfect offensive and defensive corner target. Derby would be lucky to defeat the competition to this signing but would be able to continue with a back three following Nat Phillips’ loan expiration. The 27-year-old would slot in perfectly in between Clarke and Langås to provide an excellent unified strength in defence.