Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon was a notable absentee from the squad for last night’s friendly against Grimsby Town, fuelling growing speculation that he could be on the verge of a move to the Championship.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of interest from both Stoke City and Preston North End in recent weeks, and with just one year remaining on his contract, the club may now be preparing to cash in. While there has been no official confirmation, his omission from a matchday squad so close to the start of the season suggests a deal could be nearing completion.
Since arriving from St Mirren in January 2023, Erhahon has established himself as one of Lincoln’s most technically gifted players. His ability to dictate play from deep, break up opposition attacks, and bring calmness to the midfield has made him integral to the side’s success. His performances last season drew widespread praise, and it now seems inevitable that a step up is coming.
Concerns Over Squad Depth Grow
If Erhahon is sold, it will mark the departure of another key figure from the squad that pushed for the play-offs last term. The loss of such an influential player leaves a gaping hole in central midfield, and with the new League One campaign fast approaching, Lincoln face a race against time to secure suitable reinforcements.
The Imps will likely need one midfielder to replace both the quality and depth Erhahon provided, and there is also a continued need for a left-back. As it stands, the squad differs from the one that finished the previous season strongly, with captain, leading youngster and now possibly the best player leaving.
There’s also the financial angle to consider. With the midfielder entering the final year of his deal, Lincoln must strike a balance between securing a fee now and risking a free transfer exit next summer. In the current market, a figure in the region of £1 million would represent good value for a player of Erhahon’s profile, though fans will hope for even more.
Site Opinion
Leaving Erhahon out of the Grimsby friendly speaks volumes. This isn’t just rotation, it’s risk management ahead of a likely transfer. If a deal with Stoke or Preston is close, the club’s priority must now be ensuring a strong fee. Erhahon has been Lincoln’s most composed and consistent presence in midfield and will be hard to replace.
The biggest concern now is not just losing him, but whether the Imps have time and resources to fill the gap. With key areas still lacking depth, a slow or underwhelming response in the market could see the team regress. The coming days will define more than just Erhahon’s future – they’ll shape Lincoln’s entire season.
