Former Lincoln City loanee Harry Boyes, 24, is at the centre of transfer speculation after reports that he has handed in a request to leave Southend United as part of an attempted move to newly promoted York City.
Attempt to return to the EFL
Boyes, who spent part of the 2022–23 season on loan at Sincil Bank, has emerged as a target for York as they prepare for League Two life. Initial approaches are understood to have been rebuffed by Southend, prompting the claims that Boyes has formally sought a transfer.
Reports also say Southend have asked for Ben Brookes to be included in any agreement, while Alex Newby — a York player — has been linked the other way in discussions. Neither club has publicly confirmed that Boyes submitted a request.
Southend manager addresses absence and fitness
Southend boss Kieron Dyer has defended Boyes amid the speculation, insisting the left wing-back’s recent omission from the squad was due to an ankle complaint, not unrest over a potential move.
To be fair to Harry, he’s been gritting his teeth for us. 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 said the issue had been present late last season and continued into pre-season training. He also rejected suggestions Boyes’ commitment had changed because of transfer interest, pointing to a strong second-half performance in a recent friendly alongside team-mate Josh Popoola.
- Age: 24
- Position: Left wing-back
- Current club: Southend United (reported transfer request)
- Interested club: York City (League Two)
Lincoln connections and what fans should know
Boyes arrived at Lincoln on loan from Sheffield United in January 2023, brought in to provide an attacking option down the left. His time at Sincil Bank is likely to be the main reason Lincoln supporters are following this story, as former loanees often remain on the radar locally when they attempt to move between clubs in the lower divisions.
At this stage, the situation remains a negotiation between clubs. Southend have publicly maintained Boyes’ omission from a recent friendly squad was injury-related, while York’s interest has reportedly triggered the formal transfer approach. Supporters in Lincoln will be watching to see whether the move materialises — both as a marker of Boyes’ progress and because players who pass through Sincil Bank often retain a following among Imps fans.
| Club | Note |
|---|---|
| Sheffield United | Parent club at time of Lincoln loan |
| Lincoln City | Loan spell began January 2023 |
| Southend United | Current club; reported transfer request |
| York City | Interested club seeking EFL recruitment |
Any formal confirmation of a transfer request or a completed move will likely come from the clubs involved. Until then, Lincoln supporters can expect continued speculation in the transfer window as Boyes and others linked to the city’s football history attempt to shape their careers in and around the Football League.
