Jack Moylan Completes Club-Record Lincoln City Exit

Jack Moylan has completed his move from Lincoln City to Cardiff City for an undisclosed club-record fee.

The Republic of Ireland international leaves Sincil Bank after two-and-a-half years with the Imps, having scored 21 goals in 88 competitive appearances. His departure comes only five months after he signed a new contract intended to keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.

The deal is understood to include future contingency payments and ensures City retain a financial interest in Moylan. Although the precise fee has not been revealed, the club have confirmed that it represents a new record received for a player, meaning it exceeds the £1.5m upfront fee we got for Jovon Makama.

Sporting director Jez George explained that the decision was made after Moylan expressed his desire to join the Bluebirds.

“It was not our intention to sell Jack in this window, but Jack made it clear that he wanted to pursue this opportunity, and then every player has their valuation, so once that was agreed, as well as all future contingency payments and our future interest in the player, it was right for Lincoln City to complete the deal.”

Moylan arrived from Shelbourne in January 2024 after finishing as the League of Ireland Premier Division’s leading scorer during the previous campaign. He had agreed the move several months earlier before linking up with the Imps midway through the English season.

His first goals for City came as a brace against Barnsley in March 2024, but his early progress was interrupted by injury. Moylan subsequently missed significant periods across his first two full seasons, including several months following ankle surgery.

Despite those setbacks, he returned to become one of the defining players of the 2025/26 campaign. Moylan scored 12 goals in all competitions, with 11 of those coming in League One, as the Imps secured promotion and were eventually crowned champions.

His contribution at Reading will remain one of the lasting images of the season. Moylan’s late goal secured promotion to the Championship and sparked memorable celebrations in the away end, before the title was confirmed against Doncaster Rovers later that month.

His performances also earned him a place in the League One Team of the Season and helped him break into the Republic of Ireland senior squad. George believes the transfer reflects both Moylan’s development and the work carried out by City during an injury-disrupted period.

“Players have one career: it is impossible to deny them a life-changing contract and expect them to be the same player again,’ added Jez.

“Jack has contributed to our success, his goal at Reading will remain part of Lincoln City folklore, and we have also contributed to his development, culminating in a debut for the Republic of Ireland.

“In less than three seasons, with Jack missing almost a calendar year with two major injuries, we have multiplied our initial investment exponentially for a player yet to play in the Championship, so we move on. That’s football.”

Moylan departs without making a Championship appearance for the Imps, despite playing such an important role in taking the club into the second tier. His move instead takes him to Cardiff, who are managed by Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Bluebirds’ interest presented Moylan with the opportunity to secure what George described as a life-changing contract. City were therefore faced with either keeping a player who had expressed a desire to leave or accepting a record package which could be reinvested into the squad.

The timing leaves City needing to replace a player who provided goals, creativity and individuality from attacking midfield. His departure also comes while the club are working on several additions, with Liam Scully revealing that a number of deals have been verbally agreed or are dependent on further movement elsewhere.

For all the business considerations surrounding the transfer, Moylan will be remembered primarily for his role in one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history. His goals, personality and celebrations made him a popular figure, while his winner at Reading has already secured his place in Imps folklore.

“But Jack is a top person, an infectious character, and we thank him for everything and wish him well,” finishd Jez.

“Time will allow us to reflect on so many amazing memories and cherish our time together.”

It is a move few would have expected when he signed his long-term contract in March, but it brings a significant return for the club and gives Moylan the opportunity he made clear he wanted to pursue.