Lincoln City are reportedly exploring a move for Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Varfolomeyev from Czech side Slovan Liberec.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a potential replacement for Ethan Erhahon, with the Imps expected to invest a significant six-figure sum if the deal progresses.
Varfolomeyev has represented Ukraine at Under-21 level and has established himself as a composed, technically gifted holding midfielder in the Czech top-flight. His current club value is understood to be in the region of €600,000, and his addition would mark another statement of intent from a Lincoln side targeting overseas markets for recruitment.
JEDNÁNÍ: Záložník Ivan Varfolomejev (21) by mohl odejít do anglického klubu Lincoln City, který hraje League One 🏴 #prestupy
Jednání jsou v plném proudu, kluby řeší cenu.
Ta by se mohla vyšplhat po započtení bonusů na 800 tisíc eur (19,5 milionu korun) + vyšší procenta z… https://t.co/hSZb3YlJoo pic.twitter.com/qx2dzGccmH
— Fotbalové přestupy (@infotbal) August 12, 2025
Career Path So Far
Varfolomeyev developed through the youth system at SC Tavriya Simferopol, working under Andriy Cheremysin and Vitaliy Ponomaryov, before continuing his progression with Karpaty Lviv. He joined Rukh Lviv in September 2020, making his Ukrainian Premier League debut in February 2021 against Shakhtar Donetsk.
In 2023, he made the switch to Slovan Liberec in the Czech First League. That transfer followed a turbulent period during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which saw Rukh’s squad disperse and Varfolomeyev relocate to Prague with his family. His move to Slovan was complicated by a contractual dispute, with the UAF Dispute Resolution Chamber ordering compensation to Rukh. Slovan later resolved the issue by paying €47,000.
Why Lincoln Are Interested
Lincoln’s recruitment in recent windows has included a focus on identifying value abroad, particularly in positions where proven quality is hard to secure domestically. With Erhahon’s departure leaving a gap in midfield, Varfolomeyev’s profile matches the type of addition manager Michael Skubala has openly sought at the LNER Stadium — young, technically proficient, and with resale potential.
The fact that this link has emerged from a specific overseas source lends credibility to the rumour, even if there is no confirmation from either club at this stage. His experience in top-flight football, combined with his age and international background, makes him a potentially significant acquisition for a side aiming to compete at the top end of League One.
Writer’s View
If Lincoln are able to secure Varfolomeyev’s signature, it would represent a notable coup in the market. The midfielder’s technical attributes and experience at a young age suggest he could slot straight into the starting XI and offer stability in the centre of the park.
While transfer fees at this level are always a consideration, his potential resale value and suitability for the Imps’ system make this a rumour worth watching closely in the final weeks of the window.
