Lincoln City FC Transfer News: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

The Lincoln City quest to win promotion to the Championship is far from over, but a potent transfer campaign in January surely improves the team’s chances. It’s not like The Imps signed big-name players, it’s about a smart approach to strengthening the squad. We are going to witness the culmination of the 2025-26 season, so let’s reassess the team resources after the January transfer window.

Who’s in: the team’s signings in January

The very special transfers that feel like a VIP casino bonus rarely occur during the January transfer window, especially in League One. However, teams fighting for promotion usually use January to make a few signings. Lincoln City is no different; the team made a few interesting moves in a quest to improve the squad depth.

Player purchases

The Imps made two direct transfers:

• Josh Honohan

• Deji Elerewe

The transfer details are available below:

The message is clear: add depth to the defensive line. Honohan’s transfer is the second-biggest in Lincoln’s history in terms of fee, but it doesn’t feel like an overpay. Honohan is a hard worker who has already received an international call-up from the Ireland national team. He is yet to play a competitive match for Ireland, but at this point, it’s only a matter of time. What makes Josh a great signing is his versatility; he can also play as a natural fullback, centre back and winger. Another positive is his resilience and experience. Despite being a 24-year-old, Josh already has more than 170 professional matches on his resume.

While Honohan’s transfer is about impact here and now, the acquisition of Elerewe is about the future. A 22-year-old giant of Nigerian descent will likely need some time before he becomes a regular starter, but his ceiling is very high. A product of the Charlton Athletic system, Elerewe not only has impressive physicality but is also very confident on the ball. Let’s see how much time it will take for Deji to play regularly.

Player loans

In January, Lincoln loaned in three players, each of whom has a strong reputation in the lower leagues. Here they are:

Each of these three players could make a serious impact. Ryan Oné has been struggling to deliver in the Championship with Sheffield United, but can use a loan to Lincoln as a chance to gain confidence. He has the talent, which is evident from his performances for the Scotland U-19 and U-21 teams.

Alfie Lloyd played 27 matches for QPR in the Championship last season, so you’d expect him to be effective at League One level. However, his tenure at Leyton Orient in the first part of the season was far from successful, as Alfie failed to score. He’ll have his chances at Lincoln and, at the very least, will add depth to the roster.

Kamil Conteh, a Sierra Leone international, spent the first part of the season in League Two with Bristol Rovers. The skilled and agile midfielder now has a chance to reestablish himself in League One. The deal looks like a win-win for both the club and the player.

Who’s out: the team’s departures in January

During the 2025-26 January transfer window, Lincoln City not only acquired new players but also moved several footballers on. Fortunately, none of the departed players had a crucial impact during the first six months of the season. Here is the full list of departures:

• Lewis Montsma. Centre back, 27, transferred to Dundee.
• Oisin Gallagher. Centre back, 20, loaned to Boston United.
• Charlie Parks. Centre back, 18, loaned to Gainsborough.
• Gbolahan Okewoye. Midfielder, 19, released.
• Dexter Lembikisa. Right back, 22, loaned back to Wolves U21.
• Francis Okoronkwo. Forward, 21, loaned back to Everton U21.
• Justin Obikwu. Forward, 21, loaned back to Coventry U21.
• Finley Barbrook. Midfielder, 21, loaned back to Ipswich Town U21.

As seen from the list, most departures were loans out or loans back. None of these players was a regular starter during the first half of the season. Collectively, they made just seven League One starts. The player who had the most impact was Justin Obikwu, who scored three goals and added one assist in 500 minutes. On the other hand, Dexter Lembikisa played a total of 190 minutes for the club, which proved disappointing. The release of Okewoye is unfortunate, as he is a product of the club’s youth system, but he was given opportunities.

Perhaps the biggest loss during the January transfer window, at least from a sentimental standpoint, is Lewis Montsma. The Dutch defender, who made a triumphant return to professional football last season after nearly two years away, will now try his luck in the Scottish Premier League. He barely featured for Lincoln City this season but remained an important veteran presence. Lewis joined The Imps in July 2020, making him the club’s longest-serving player. Just as a casino VIP program rewards loyal players, Lincoln City has been generous to its former players. Perhaps Montsma will be able to relaunch his career and avoid injuries in Dundee.