Former Lincoln City loanee Harry Boyes has reportedly submitted a transfer request at Southend United as he attempts to secure a move back into the EFL with York City.
The 24-year-old left wing-back has emerged as a target for the newly promoted League Two club, with Southend understood to have already rejected an opening offer.
According to Pete O’Rourke, Boyes has now handed in a transfer request following York’s approach. The report also claims Southend want Ben Brookes included in any agreement, while Alex Newby is another York player attracting interest from the Essex club.
It is important to stress that neither club has confirmed Boyes’ transfer request, and Southend manager Kieron Dyer has defended the former Imp amid speculation surrounding his future. Boyes was absent from the Southend squad for Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Leyton Orient, but Dyer insisted the decision was caused by an ankle problem rather than the interest from York.
Speaking after the game, Dyer said Boyes had been attempting to play through the issue during pre-season.
“To be fair to Harry, he’s been gritting his teeth for us.
“He had a problem towards the end of last season and it was probably about my fourth or fifth day into pre-season that he kept flicking out his ankle.
“He’s got a problem with it and, to be fair to him, he’s been gritting his teeth and playing through the pain.”
Dyer also rejected any suggestion that Boyes’ attitude had changed because of the proposed move.
“I know there’s loads of speculation about Harry and about York, but he wasn’t left out because of speculation about York. He’s got a legitimate ankle problem.
“Everyone will be questioning his attitude and that he wants to leave and all that, but if you see his performance in the second half against Northampton, him and Josh Popoola absolutely ran riot.
“Harry’s committed and let’s get his ankle sorted.”
Harry Boyes At Sincil Bank
Boyes joined us on loan from Sheffield United in January 2023 after spending the first half of the campaign with Forest Green Rovers. He was brought in to provide an attacking option at left wing-back and made his debut immediately in a 2-1 defeat away at Charlton Athletic.
He went on to make 18 League One appearances for us during the second half of the 2022/23 season. Although he did not score, he offered energy and width down the left before returning to Bramall Lane at the end of the campaign.
Further loan spells followed with Wycombe Wanderers and Fleetwood Town before Boyes left Sheffield United permanently in 2025. He subsequently signed a two-year contract with Southend and became a regular at left wing-back during his first season at Roots Hall.
Boyes is therefore under contract until the summer of 2027, leaving Southend in a relatively strong negotiating position. However, should the report of a transfer request prove accurate, York may hope the player’s desire to return to the EFL helps bring the two clubs closer to an agreement.
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