Lincoln City CEO Liam Scully has confirmed that Jack Moylan’s expected departure has not yet been completed, although he believes the proposed transfer will go through.
Cardiff City are closing in on the signing of the Republic of Ireland international, who was left out of the Imps’ two final pre-season fixtures against Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley on Saturday.
Moylan only signed a new contract until the summer of 2030 in March, having played a significant role in City’s League One title success. He finished the campaign with 11 league goals and was subsequently named in the division’s Team of the Season.
However, the 24-year-old now appears set to leave Sincil Bank before making an appearance in the Championship for the Imps. Speaking during a BBC Radio Lincolnshire interview, Scully stressed that negotiations are still ongoing.
“I will be as straight as I can with you. The deal for Jack is not done yet and there is still a bit to go. I would expect it to complete and Jack goes with our best wishes.”
The prospective sale comes less than five months after Moylan committed his long-term future to the club. That strengthened City’s negotiating position and means there is no contractual pressure to accept an offer this summer.
Scully reiterated that the Imps are not being forced into selling one of last season’s outstanding performers. Instead, the club believe the proposed deal can benefit both Moylan and the construction of the squad for the Championship campaign.
“It goes back to the fact that we do not need to sell, but we are looking at how we can best put together a group for Lincoln City in the Championship. All things considered, it feels like the right thing both for Lincoln City and Jack Moylan.”
The CEO also explained that City’s approach to recruitment includes demonstrating that players will be supported when opportunities arise later in their careers. Moylan joined the Imps from Shelbourne in January 2024 and developed into one of League One’s most productive attacking midfielders.
“To be really candid with you, one of those reasons is that we talk to players who could join Lincoln City about the fact that we support players on the way in and we support them on the way out. Standing in the way of players who want to move on from the football club is not something we want to do.”
Scully was careful to clarify that those comments should not be interpreted as criticism of Moylan or as evidence that City are prepared to allow players to leave too easily.
“I mean that respectfully and with no slight to Jack. Please do not read anything more into that than intended. At times, you have to be pragmatic and show players that you have got a genuine pathway.”
No transfer fee has been officially disclosed, but Scully suggested that the eventual terms should demonstrate why City believe sanctioning the move is the correct decision.
“I do not want the fans to read that as being soft. If we reach a deal and get things concluded, which I expect us to do, I think the fans will be proud of the deal we have done and what is in the best interests of Lincoln City, because that is why we are doing this.”
Moylan has made 87 appearances in all competitions for the Imps, scoring 21 times. His final season at Sincil Bank brought 12 goals in all competitions, including several decisive contributions during the club’s promotion run.
Although the agreement has not been finalised, Scully’s comments indicate that City are preparing for Moylan’s departure and considering how the proceeds can be used to strengthen the squad.
“Assuming this completes, it is a good thing for Lincoln City and a good thing for Jack Moylan. We then move on and use that to decide how we best build going forward.”
Until the remaining details are settled, Moylan remains an Imps player. Nevertheless, the expectation from inside the club is now clear: his move is likely to be completed, bringing an end to his two-and-a-half-year stay at Sincil Bank.
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