Lincoln City are set to make one of their most significant transfer investments in recent years, as they close in on the signing of 21-year-old Ukrainian holding midfielder Ivan Varfolomeyev from Czech First League side Slovan Liberec.
According to Czech outlet Fotbalové přestupy, the deal is expected to be worth around £680,000, including performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause. The proposed move would represent a major shift in the Imps’ spending power, given that their record signings in recent years have generally remained in the low six-figure range.
The interest in Varfolomeyev comes after the departure of key midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who joined Bolton Wanderers earlier this summer in a deal believed to be worth around £750,000 plus add-ons. With Erhahon leaving a sizeable gap in Michael Skubala’s midfield, the Imps have identified Varfolomeyev as a direct replacement capable of dictating play from deep.
Varfolomeyev, who operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, has impressed in the Czech top flight with his positional discipline, ability to break up play, and composure on the ball. He joined Slovan Liberec in 2022 from FK Lviv and quickly established himself as a regular starter.
Last season, he made 20 league appearances in the Czech First League, scoring one goal, and registered 23 appearances in all competitions. His performances have earned praise for both consistency and maturity, particularly given his age.
If completed, the move would signal a bold statement of intent from Lincoln City, who have typically operated with a conservative recruitment budget but are now showing a willingness to invest more heavily. The increased spending power is believed to have been boosted by the combined sales of Erhahon and forward Jovon Makama, generating over £2 million in transfer income this summer.
The Imps have already added Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler to their squad in what has been a relatively quiet window so far. However, with the League One season already underway, the club will be eager to secure Varfolomeyev’s signature quickly to integrate him into the squad.
The Ukrainian’s potential arrival also reflects Lincoln’s increasingly international recruitment strategy, following recent moves for Scandinavian and European-based players such as Erik Ring. Skubala and the club’s recruitment team see Varfolomeyev as a player who not only strengthens the current side but also fits into their long-term development model, with potential resale value further down the line.
Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Czech First League (Slovan Liberec):
• Appearances: 20
• Goals: 1
• Total appearances (all competitions): 23
• Total goals (all competitions): 1
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