Fleetwood Town goalkeeper David Harrington looks set to leave Highbury Stadium before the end of the transfer window.
The Wales international has been frozen out of Pete Wild’s side and is now expected to move on after rejecting a new deal with the club, as reported by Football Insider.
Harrington Marginalised at Fleetwood
Harrington, 25, enjoyed a breakthrough year with the Cod Army last season, making 21 appearances in all competitions as Fleetwood finished 14th in League Two. However, he has been left out of the squad for the opening three league fixtures this term and only featured in the Carabao Cup defeat to Barnsley, where his side lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Jay Lynch, who made just three league appearances last season, has now established himself as Wild’s first-choice goalkeeper, effectively pushing Harrington out of contention. With his contract situation unresolved, the Cork-born stopper is preparing for an exit.
Interest From Higher Leagues
Harrington’s performances last season drew attention from clubs higher up the pyramid. Championship sides Swansea City and Huddersfield Town were both linked with a move last November, particularly after his first Wales senior squad call-up under Craig Bellamy.
Huddersfield are now managed by former Manchester United keeper Lee Grant, who has already recruited Crystal Palace loanee Owen Goodman to bolster his options. Despite that move, Harrington is still expected to attract interest, with Fleetwood braced for enquiries before deadline day.
Fleetwood Facing Further Bids
Harrington is not the only Fleetwood player attracting attention. Winger Ryan Graydon is reportedly wanted by Plymouth Argyle, Aberdeen and Wigan Athletic, as Wild attempts to balance keeping key players with the reality of League Two budgets.
Fleetwood currently occupy a play-off position early in the season, but the uncertainty around departures could define their trajectory. For Harrington, the focus appears to be on securing regular football at a higher level, something unlikely to materialise if he stays on the Fylde coast.
Writer’s View
Fleetwood’s stance on Harrington was always going to be tested once he declined a new contract, and the emergence of Jay Lynch has accelerated the process. For the player, a move away looks inevitable and would represent the natural next step in a career that has already earned international recognition.
From the club’s perspective, losing a goalkeeper of his calibre is a blow, but reinvestment from his departure may help Wild reshape a squad that is already attracting outside attention. Harrington, meanwhile, could well become a smart pick-up for an ambitious side in the Championship or upper League One.
