Lincoln City have made a move to bolster their defence with a move for experienced centre-back Sonny Bradley.
The 33-year-old is a free agent following his release from Derby County and according to Pete O’Rourke, he is set for a League One return with the Imps.
Former Derby and Luton defender Sonny Bradley has agreed a deal to join Lincoln on a free transfer. #Imps #dcfc #chairboys pic.twitter.com/BW99nTLwvV
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) June 19, 2025
Imps Target Bradley After Defensive Departures
Michael Skubala is in the early stages of his first full summer window as Lincoln boss, and rebuilding the backline appears to be a priority. Captain Paudie O’Connor has departed for Reading, and promising young defender Sean Roughan has joined Huddersfield Town, leaving City short on senior options at the heart of defence.
In response, the club has acted quickly by offering terms to Bradley, whose extensive EFL experience could prove vital. The former Luton Town captain featured prominently during their rise to the Premier League and was part of Derby County’s League One promotion campaign in 2023/24, making 33 appearances.
Bradley began his professional journey with Hull City, earning early senior experience through loans at Harrogate Town and Sweden’s IK Frej before a breakout spell with Aldershot Town in League Two. After returning to Hull for a handful of league appearances, he rejoined Aldershot for a full season, scoring his first senior goal in 2012–13. Released by Hull, he signed for Portsmouth, where he played 38 times and scored twice before moving to Crawley Town in 2014.
Bradley’s reputation grew at Plymouth Argyle, making 95 appearances across two successful campaigns before moving to Luton Town in 2018. At Kenilworth Road, he became a key figure in their rise from League One to the Championship, scoring a memorable goal on opening day in 2019–20 and staying for five seasons.
In 2023, he joined Derby County, playing 41 times in a promotion-winning first season. Though used more sparingly in 2024–25, he still contributed with goals and leadership. A loan to Wycombe Wanderers followed in January 2025, where he added 21 appearances and two goals, helping the Chairboys reach the League One play-offs.
Released by Derby at the end of the season, Bradley remains an experienced and battle-hardened centre-half with over 400 EFL appearances.
Writer’s View
If Lincoln City can get this deal over the line, Sonny Bradley would be an astute addition. His wealth of experience across the divisions—particularly his success with Luton—offers the type of leadership the club has lost with Paudie O’Connor’s exit.
While some fans might be wary of bringing in a 33-year-old, Bradley’s performances at Wycombe proved he still has plenty to offer. It’s the kind of no-nonsense signing that could lay the foundations for a serious play-off push under Michael Skubala.
