Lincoln City captain Paudie O’Connor has been a man in demand this summer and according to one report, Reading have won the race to sign the Irish defender.
Multiple League One sides have been pursuing the 27-year-old, with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley both being interested in his services as reported by Football League World. Despite The Imps’ best efforts to entice the former Bradford City player to remain at Sincil Bank, it seems that The Royals have emerged as the victors in the battle for his signature.
Medical Scheduled
Reading’s interest emerged in the defender emerged earlier today, according to Reading Chronicle reporter James Earnshaw on social media and soon after, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke stated that O’Connor was set for a medical to join Noel Hunt’s side. The Berkshire side have had their ownership worries lifted in recent months after the confirmation of former Wycombe Wanderers custodian Rob Couhig’s takeover.
Joining from Bradford on a free transfer in 2022 after three straight seasons playing in League Two, O’Connor quickly became an integral part of Lincoln’s squad, racking up 141 appearances for the club. Under Michael Skubala, The Imps have toyed with the playoff conversation over the past two seasons, but fell considerably short in their efforts this campaign.
Last season was the most productive of the centre back’s career in terms of goal contributions, with four goals and four assists in addition to 11 clean sheets. It will be the fourth club he will have played for in the third tier, with a loan spell at Blackpool in addition to his time at Bradford and Lincoln.
Writers’ View
This is a brilliant signing for Reading to make, considering the calibre of their opposition. Huddersfield have already built an outstanding squad of players this summer and Barnsley have been great challengers in past seasons, even if the previous campaign wasn’t up to their usual standards. Reading themselves look like a promising side under Noel Hunt that thrived despite their circumstances and now that their worries have been lifted, they can return to their Championship aims. Recruiting Paudie O’Connor on a free transfer is surely an early contender for signing of the season in the third tier.
