Doncaster Rovers forward Luke Molyneux is undergoing his medical at Salford City ahead of his surprise transfer to the ambitious League Two outfit.
The former Sunderland youth product starred in his first campaign in League One since featuring for the Black Cats at that level at the beginning of his career.
His 15 goal contributions in 40 third-tier appearances last term were expected to alert several sides at the top end of the same division.
However, he has instead been lured by a side in the division below, Salford, with Pete O’Rourke reporting that the deal is nearing completion.
Why Salford?
It almost seems too easy to say money will bring Molyneux to Greater Manchester. For a player at the peak of his powers at the age of 28, a progressive step in his career felt like the best and most natural option. Coming off the back of such a strong season in a higher division, it felt like there would be several clubs circling to try and persuade the Bishop Auckland-born man to join their side.
However, he is instead set to become another major coup for the Ammies in League Two. It’s sometimes easy to forget with Salford that, money aside, they are a very attractive proposition for players. Thus far, they have found their current level a tougher nut to crack following their rapid rise up the divisions.
Several near misses with the play-offs mean that the Ammies are heading into their eighth season as a fourth-tier outfit, when the aim would have been to crack this level of football much sooner. After another managerial change following Wembley disappointment against Notts County, Peter Cklamovski has wasted no time in bringing Macaulay Langstaff to Greater Manchester. With strong attacking options already at the club, alongside the expected addition of Molyneux, the Ammies have a strike force ready to rival Milton Keynes Dons’ attack from last season.
Time Is Right For Doncaster To Sell
In the build-up to facing eventual League One champions Lincoln City in April, Grant McCann spoke about wanting to achieve similar success as the Imps in a shorter timeframe. Keeping hold of Molyneux would have been a big part of attempting to push on next season. However, once it was revealed last week that he was unwilling to enter negotiations regarding a new contract, Donny knew that they needed to sell one of their top assets.
With just twelve months remaining on his deal in South Yorkshire, it therefore feels the right time for Rovers to sell, particularly given he didn’t see a longer future at the Club Doncaster Sports Village. It leaves a sizeable hole for McCann to fill, with Doncaster closing in on the signing of free agent Jordan Thomas. However, they need some further firepower alongside the former Cheltenham Town man if they are to trouble the upper echelons of the third tier this coming season.
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