Sam Long has signed for Sky Bet League Two side Bromley on a permanent basis.
The goalkeeper joined the Imps as scholar at the age of 16 and signed his first professional contract in 2020.
He made his debut in the Papa Johns Trophy against Manchester United U21s in August 2021, while his league debut came in a 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle later that season.
The 21-year-old has also spent time out on loan at Gainsborough Trinity, Drogheda United, Bromley and Falkirk during his time with the Imps but will now depart for Hayes Lane permanently.
Director of football Jez George said: “Sam is a very talented young man but it is just so difficult to come through as a young goalkeeper and establish yourself as a No.1. As we cannot provide Sam with this pathway, it is only fair to allow him to find that opportunity elsewhere.
"The fact that we have signed two 23-year-old goalkeepers this summer, who are both on that journey, shows the patience and time required. We retain a future interest in Sam and believe that in time he will have a really successful career. It is just that for him the next steps need to be at a club where first team football is attainable, and we don’t think that is currently at Lincoln City.
“Our club is now in a position where young players can come through our academy and even if they are not successful in establishing themselves in our first team, they can still go and have a career as a professional footballer. Our academy should still take massive pride in producing these players. We wish Sam all the best for his future and we will all continue to be invested in his development.”
Everyone at City would like to thank Sam for his time at Lincoln City and wishes him all the best moving forward.