'Deal done' - Charlton Athletic sell first team star to League One rivals

Charlton Athletic have completed a deal to sell midfielder Conor McGrandles to League One rivals Lincoln City as the clubs prepare for the upcoming third tier campaign.

It's set to be a summer of change for the Addicks with Nathan Jones overseeing his first transfer window since becoming manager. Charlton Athletic are hoping to challenge at the other end of the table next term having been embroiled in a relegation battle last time out.

The Welshman has hinted at arrivals at The Valley in the coming weeks, with Will Mannion already confirmed this week, but there are also expected to be further outgoings. It has now been confirmed that McGrandles is one of those players moving on.

The 28-year-old joined the London club in 2022 from Lincoln City but only made 19 appearances for the club. He was loaned to the Imps for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign but managed just five appearances before a season-ending ankle injury in March.

However, the midfielder's cameo in the Lincoln City season was enough to convince Michael Skubala to fork out an undisclosed fee for his services. A Charlton club statement read: "Conor McGrandles has rejoined Lincoln City on a permanent deal. The midfielder joined Charlton from the Imps in June 2022 and made 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.

"McGrandles spent the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Lincoln and also enjoyed a temporary stint with Cambridge United in the second part of the 2022/23 season. Everyone at the club wishes Conor the very best of luck for the future."

Speaking to Lincoln City as the deal was confirmed, McGrandles thanked the club's 'faith' in him during his injury and welcomed the familiarity in returning to his former side. The player said: “It’s brilliant to be back. I really enjoyed my time on loan last season so when the club showed interest in me this is what I wanted to do.

“There was a lot of faith shown in me when I got injured. The club offered to do all my rehab which shows the care for people here.

“I am really grateful for the way the fans took to me when I came back. I know how good the atmosphere is here and it’s something I’m really looking forward to experiencing throughout the season.”