Lincoln City: Walsall transfer U-turn is right call by Imps | OneFootball

Lincoln City have reportedly u-turned on a potential move away from the LNER Stadium for Freddie Draper.

Lincoln City have reportedly U-turned on a potential move away from the LNER Stadium for Freddie Draper.

Sky Bet League Two leaders Walsall were linked to re-signing Draper, this time on a permanent deal.

Sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs posted on social media that the two clubs were close to an agreement on Wednesday.

However, his understanding of the situation changed on Friday, when he revealed that Lincoln had walked away from a deal after a re-think.

Lincoln City make the right call over Freddie Draper transfer

That reported change of heart is the right decision.

Jacobs noted that Lincoln had rejected a deal worth £230,000 for the striker, who came through the Imps academy.

A board meeting followed City’s loss to Bolton Wanderers in the Vertu Trophy knockout stages on Tuesday, with the result a decision to back out of a sale and instead potentially offering the young forward a new contract.

Draper has not been good enough for the Imps so far this season, that is impossible to get away from.

But, selling him would have been a fatal mistake. The sky is the limit for the young striker, who proved his goalscoring credentials in an impressive loan at Walsall during the first half of last season.

He netted ten times before being recalled early by the Imps in January, to see out the second half of the season at his parent club.

This season he has struggled in front of goal, in fact picking up more bookings than goals so far in League One.

He has three goals overall, two of those coming across 21 third tier games.

Michael Skubala needs an experienced addition

Draper has great potential, both as an on-field asset for Lincoln, and a potential cash cow in future.

If the 20-year-old is rated as close to a quarter of a million now, he can be worth a lot more with a few more years of quality experience and growth under his belt.

Michael Skubala, the Imps’ head coach, has made no bones about his desire to recruit an experienced name to his top-line. That would not only boost a faltering attack now, but provide players like Draper, and fellow youngster Jovon Makama, with the guiding hand they need.

Working alongside a striker who has been there and done it would help Draper no end, and help him reach his full potential.

Freddie Draper deal would have been a steal for Walsall

The former Imps scholar, who originally signed from Derby County, would have been a superb addition for title-chasing Walsall.

The Saddlers need a new striker to replace the recalled Stoke City attacker Nathan Lowe, and Draper would certainly fit the bill. He has done a great job at the club already, scoring ten goals in 21 appearances during his initial loan stint.

That followed a similar spell at Drogheda United, in the League of Ireland.

Ultimately, Lincoln have made the right decision. Keeping Draper on their books will be rewarded with goals and eventual cash in a future transfer window, should he reap the full rewards of his talent.

It would have been a real loss for the Imps, just as much as it would have been a real gain for Walsall.