Lincoln City should be eyeing repeat of Millwall FC transfer for 2025/26.

If Lincoln City are to have another successful season in Sky Bet League One, they will need to work hard during the summer transfer window.

Michael Skubala’s men finished 11th, which was lower than their play-off-chasing exploits the previous year, but it was still a strong showing for the Imps.

Lincoln’s budgets are not as large as those in the top third tier, despite the league’s increasing strength and wealth over time.

They must be strategic in their transfer business, but they have a plan for success in the upcoming window.

Alex Mitchell’s starring role in Lincoln City.

During the Imps’ play-off chase season, they had the services of defender Alex Mitchell on loan from Championship club Millwall.

Despite failing to advance to the playoffs, Lincoln had a strong second half of the season. Mitchell was a key player throughout the term.

He appeared in 36 league games for City and scored one goal.

Mitchell played almost every minute of the season’s final stages, proving his worth as a strong, physical central defender.

The Englishman, now 23, was rewarded with a permanent move to Charlton Athletic last summer. Despite his reduced playing time, Mitchell has demonstrated his abilities at League One level.

While some Imps fans may be hoping for Mitchell’s return, who has not been first-choice for Nathan Jones and the promotion-chasing Addicks, his original transfer provides a solid blueprint for the Imps to follow once more.

Mitchell was a young and inexperienced defender when he joined Lincoln.

It was his first League One appearance, following stints in the Scottish Premiership with St. Johnstone and the fourth tier of English football with Leyton Orient. And he impressed greatly, growing throughout the campaign.

Smart business for the League One club.

The Lincoln transfer model involves bringing in young players, elevating their stock, and then selling them for profit. Of course, loan acquisitions are treated differently, with the emphasis on both short-term and long-term gains for the player and their parent club.

Mitchell’s success in Imps colours demonstrates that the loan market is a viable option for City to pursue again this summer.

With the futures of versatile Sean Roughan and club captain Paudie O’Connor uncertain, Lincoln may need to significantly improve their defensive line.

Adam Jackson’s home remains in doubt for next season, and Dutch centre-back Lewis Montsma’s fitness is a constant source of concern, so a new central defender would be beneficial to the Imps even if their star duo sign new contracts.

Lincoln could benefit from a strong partner like Mitchell to form a commanding pairing, as Tom Hamer has demonstrated defensive abilities when given the opportunity.

The loan market is frequently a game of risk and reward, but the Imps should try to recapture some of the magic that helped Mitchell become such a success at the LNER Stadium and dip their toes back in this summer.