Midfielder Lewis Simper has ended a 16-year association with Cambridge United after signing for an undisclosed fee for a Sutton United squad looking to bounce back from relegation out of the Football League.
Along with Jack Lankester, who has just completed a move to Crewe Alexander, the 22-year-old was one of four players transfer-listed following end-of-season discussions with U’s boss Garry Monk.
It ends a 16-year spell for central midfielder Simper at United, having joined the club’s academy as a six-year-old, and leaving having made 27 first-team appearances (13 in League One), scoring two goals and being credited with two assists.
After gaining a professional contract in January 2020, Simper went on make his first-team debut that September, in an EFL Trophy match against Fulham Under-21s, and his first league start came in April 2022 against Morecambe.
He also had loan spells with St Neots Town, Concord Rangers – playing in the delayed 2020 FA Trophy final at Wembley, Yeovil Town, Woking and Wealdstone.
The 2022/23 season proved to be his most memorable in United’s first team as he made 16 appearances and scored four goals across all competitions.
He went on to feature in two Sky Bet League One games in 2023/24, both as a substitute early in the campaign but will now be looking for a regular starting spot in the Vanrama National League with Sutton United, who finished second-from-bottom in League Two last term.
A club statement on his departure said: “He now joins Sutton United on a permanent deal and everybody at Cambridge United would like to wish him all the very best and thank him for his outstanding service towards the club.”
Simper posted on his X account: “New beginnings, can’t wait to get started.”
Sutton United head coach Steve Morison said: ''Like all our recent signings Lewis is a prime example of the work we are doing in the recruitment department.
“He's an excellent purchase who has many top attributes and brings excellent balance to our midfield and also excellent set piece delivery.
“He has energy and quality on the ball, and I can't wait to see him in a Sutton shirt at Gander Green Lane.''
