Hayden Cann has completed a permanent switch to League of Ireland side Dundalk.
The 20-year-old centre-back joined City when he was just eight years of age and has progressed through the club’s academy ever since.
He signed his first professional contract with the Imps in 2020, making his first-team debut in a 3-1 victory against Mansfield Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Cann has since enjoyed loan spells at Lincoln United, Gainsborough Trinity, Peterborough Sports and Drogheda United.
Director of football Jez George said “Hayden is a brilliant advert for Lincoln City Football Club and how we develop young players. He has progressed well in each of his loans but this opportunity for him to start his professional career as a first team player is one that is too good for him to turn down.
"We support him in that decision and have an agreement with Dundalk which gives us a future interest in Hayden’s development and a buy-back option.”
“Hayden will be missed at the EPC. He has been a cultural architect within the academy and amongst the young professionals and epitomises all the ‘off-field’ qualities that we value, so he leaves with our thanks as well as respect and best wishes.”
Another of our young players, Elicha Ahui, also leaves City and has signed for fellow League of Ireland side Drogheda United.