Carlisle United have begun their transfer plans ahead of the 2026/27 season, by identifying their first potential summer signing.
Mark Hughes’ side confirmed their retained list earlier this month, with several experienced players amongst the 13 individuals that were being let go by the National League side once their current contracts expire this summer.
The club finished the 2025/26 season in third, picking up 95 points and qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, before falling to defeat against eventual runners-up Boreham Wood.
However, with their retained list now done, attention can turn to their summer recruitment with the first name now reportedly identified.
Carlisle eye potential free agent
Last summer saw Carlisle United invest significantly in forward Regan Linney, but he spent the majority of the campaign operating as a winger rather than a striker.
This saw goals from the strikers dry up throughout large parts of the campaign, likely suggesting a reason why the club fell significantly behind York City and Rochdale despite finishing third.
However, reports from the News and Star, suggest that Carlisle are targeting a winger which could allow Linney to operate as a striker next season, in a bid to return to the EFL at the second time of asking.
According to the report, Carlisle United are interested in out-of-contract midfielder Aidan Fitzpatrick, who’s currently playing for Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle.
The 25-year-old also has interest from League One side Doncaster Rovers, as Carlisle keep tabs on him ahead of a potential move this summer.
Fitzpatrick contributed to 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Scottish second-tier side as they finished second in the table.
However, he is yet to sign a new contract with the Scottish side, thus sparking interest from potential suitors.
Would this move push Linney further forward?
Fitzpatrick has four goal contributions in his last four appearances for Partick Thistle and has played almost all season as a left-sided midfielder.
This has been where Linney has been operating predominantly for Carlisle, ending the season with over 20 goals scored – though he underwent a large drought in terms of contributing goals.
With Carlisle likely targeting the title next season, they may be tempted to move Linney up front – which would require them to sign a left-sided player to fill the gap and Fitzpatrick could be that man.
Similarly, with Linney hitting double figures on that side – there is also a world in which he stays where he is and a player like Fitzpatrick comes in as direct competition next season.
