Lincoln City Step Up Pursuit of 26-Year-Old Championship Forward

Lincoln City are reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of Charlton Athletic striker Isaac Olaofe as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that discussions between the clubs are at an advanced stage, suggesting the Imps are hopeful of adding another attacking option for head coaches Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw.

Given O’Rourke’s track record, the development could indicate that a deal is nearing completion rather than being at an early stage.

Olaofe joined Charlton from Stockport County in the summer of 2025 on a three-year contract. However, after finding first-team opportunities difficult to come by during the opening half of the campaign, he returned to Stockport on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult year in front of goal, scoring once in 25 appearances for Charlton before adding another goal in 22 matches during his second spell at Edgeley Park.

Those figures contrast sharply with the form he displayed during his first spell with Stockport. Across 121 appearances, Olaofe scored 37 goals, including an impressive 20 league strikes that helped Dave Challinor’s side secure the League Two title in the 2023/24 season. He followed that success with nine goals in League One as County reached the play-offs, performances that ultimately earned him a move to the Championship.

Before establishing himself at Stockport, Olaofe developed through Millwall’s academy system. During that time, he enjoyed three productive loan spells at Sutton United, where he scored 26 goals in 80 appearances and finished as the club’s top scorer during their National League title-winning campaign in 2020/21. He also had a brief spell with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone before making three senior appearances for Millwall, eventually leaving The Den permanently in January 2023.

Naturally a centre-forward, Olaofe is capable of playing across the front line thanks to his pace, physical presence and willingness to stretch opposing defences. His relentless work rate without possession also makes him a player well suited to the high-intensity approach favoured by Lincoln’s coaching staff.

Although his recent goal return has been underwhelming, his previous success at Stockport demonstrated the qualities he can offer when playing in a settled environment. His experience across the Championship, League One and League Two would also provide valuable depth for Lincoln as they prepare for the challenges of the new season.

Lincoln have already boosted their attacking department with the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mason Melia, but their continued interest in Olaofe suggests the club remains keen to add further competition and variety in the final third.

While no official agreement has been confirmed, reports that negotiations are well advanced indicate Olaofe could soon become Lincoln City’s latest summer signing, with further additions also expected before the transfer window closes.