Southend United have already been on the receiving end of several high-profile exits throughout the summer, and things may be set to continue.
The Shrimpers have already lost the likes of Gus Scott-Morriss, Collin Andeng-Ndi, Noor Huson and Keenan Appiah-Forson, three of which have left for EFL moves.
There has been an active response from Southend, securing several former EFL players themselves as Kieron Dyer’s side prepare to build on from last season’s FA Trophy triumph.
However, their preparations may be about to undertake a fresh hit.
Southend star linked with an exit
There is just under three weeks until the 2026/27 National League season gets underway, but with the transfer window open until the end of August (for EFL clubs), teams still have work to do to retain their key players and Southend are no exception.
Another one of their standout players from the previous campaign was full-back Harry Boyes, who underwent an eye-catching season, following his permanent arrival from Sheffield United.
However, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Southend United are facing increasing difficulty to try and retain Boyes – with York City amongst several other League Two sides that are actively monitoring him ahead of a possible move.
Boyes made 43 league appearances for the Shrimpers last season, contributing to nine goals as well as being a part of the squad that beat Wealdstone to lift the FA Trophy in May.
Upon signing for Southend, the 24-year-old had prior stints in the EFL with the likes of Fleetwood Town & Wycombe Wanderers and is under contract at Roots Hall until June 2027.
Therefore, this gives the club a dilemma as to whether they sell the full-back whilst they can still get a good fee or risk letting his deal run down in the hopes that he signs a fresh one before the season is out.
Would Boyes be the biggest exit of the lot?
With the 24-year-old already impressing in prior EFL stints, one could argue it was a coup for Southend United to bring the full-back in to begin with.
Southend had previous left-sided issues, often playing winger Jack Bridge in the wing-back role – which reduced their attacking output.
Boyes helped to fulfil that role and played a key part in their success last season, reaching both the play-off places and winning at Wembley in the FA Trophy.
Unlike their other exits, this one would be in the subject of an undisclosed fee – which may tempt the club to look into a sale – but with how key he has been off the left-hand side, he would be a he significant loss for the Shrimpers, especially with the start of the season being closer than ever.
York City have already signed Boston United’s Frankie Maguire, showing they have form when it comes to recruiting from the division, and Maguire is a former teammate of Boyes at Sheffield United.
