York City celebrated promotion from the National League in dramatic circumstances against title rivals Rochdale earlier this month, with preparations for their EFL return now underway.
Stuart Maynard’s side secured the title in the dying seconds of added time through Josh Stones’ strike, after Rochdale’s Mani Dieseruvwe thought he’d sent them up just minutes prior.
With the title now secure, York can begin to prepare for next season, with both bringing in new faces, but also holding tougher conversations with their extensive first-team squad knowing that they will need to let players depart.
York City star makes admission on future
York finished the 2025/26 season as National League champions, earning 108 points and scoring a draw-dropping 114 goals across their 46 matches, whilst also having the joint-best defence in the division.
Whilst forward Ollie Pearce ran away with the top-scorer competition, Maynard’s side had plenty of standout names at both ends of the pitch.
One player in particular who drew praise was centre-back Malachi Fagan-Walcott with his defensive discipline and ability to create and score goals.
The 24-year-old scored eight goals and provided three further assists across his 36 league outings for York City this season.
However, during a recent interview with BBC York Sport, Fagan-Walcott gave an unusual response to a question regarding his future, which has left York fans speculating on social media. He stated…
“I don’t actually know who’s coming, I’ve spoken to my agent but we’re all on cloud nine at the minute so I don’t know what’s happening.
“I’ve spoken to Matt (Uggla), all I want to do is keep going up the pyramid & keep getting better, that’s the plan. I don’t actually know what’s there for the future but York have a special place in my heart.”
Whilst Fagan-Walcott doesn’t express a desire to leave the football club, his response suggests that an exit could be on the cards if it meant he could ‘keep going up the pyramid’, though he has done that with York this season.
Upon joining the club permanently from Cardiff City, Fagan-Walcott signed a long-term contract with York which runs until the end of the 2028/29 season, ensuring that a substantial fee would likely be required to sign him.
Would his exit be a major loss for York?
The 24-year-old has had a standout season once again for York City, but he has also missed matches this season – with his side continuing to plough forward whilst he was sidelined through injury.
York also signed Yeovil Town defender Morgan Williams earlier this season when Fagan-Walcott sustained his injury, and he too has impressed under Stuart Maynard. The likes of Callum Howe, Joe Felix and Mark Kitching are also at their defensive disposal.
As stated, York signed Fagan-Walcott on a long-term contract which protects them should an opportunity arise for him to move on. The money from a potential sale is likely to be put back into the budget to strengthen the side even further.
Fagan-Walcott has been key for York during their promotion-winning season and would be considered a loss if he were to depart, but York already have the quality and potential funds from an exit to ensure they strengthen even further.
Likewise, his long-term deal could be enough to put sides off regardless, due to the likely increased transfer fee that would be required to land his services this summer.
