Imps target at the centre of dispute as transfer momentum builds
Lincoln City’s reported interest in Västerås SK forward Mikkel Ladefoged has been overshadowed by fresh claims that the 23-year-old is refusing to train for his current club as he pushes to leave Sweden. The situation emerged after Ladefoged was absent from Västerås’s 1-0 victory over Djurgårdens IF, an absence first described by his head coach as the player being unavailable for selection.
Swedish football outlet Fotbollskanalen has since reported that Ladefoged is declining to train because he wants Västerås to sanction a transfer. Both the club’s sporting director and head coach declined to elaborate when questioned.
“No comments.”
The curt response came from sporting director Billy Magnusson when asked directly about the matter. Manager Alexander Rubin also offered limited clarity, saying that while Ladefoged remains a Västerås player, he is currently not eligible for selection.
What the figures say
There are concrete reasons for Lincoln City’s interest. Ladefoged has been one of the leading attackers in the Allsvenskan so far this season, contributing regularly to his side’s goals.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Allsvenskan appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Contract length | Until end of 2028 |
| Reported fee | 50m SEK (approx. £3.9m) |
The reported transfer figure equates to around £3.9 million, a sizable outlay for a League One club but one that, if accurate, would represent a significant investment in Lincoln City’s attacking options.
Club responses and player stance
Västerås officials have publicly maintained a cautious line. Magnusson repeatedly responded with "No comments" when pressed, and Rubin would not confirm whether Ladefoged would be available for the upcoming trip to IF Elfsborg.
“Right now he’s a VSK player but not eligible for selection.”
That was Rubin’s assessment when discussing the striker’s situation. When asked previously about speculation over his future, Ladefoged himself acknowledged discussions were ongoing, saying: “Of course we talk about it, we always do. Then we’ll see what happens.”
What it means for Lincoln City
For supporters in Lincoln the unfolding events will be watched closely. If a move can be completed, the club would be adding an in-form forward who has already shown a strong goalscoring return in Sweden. That could materially strengthen the squad as the season progresses.
- Any deal would need to be agreed between the clubs and the player — current reports suggest the parties are engaged but not finished.
- Västerås have indicated they had planned for Ladefoged to remain this season, which could complicate negotiations.
- Ladefoged’s refusal to train, if confirmed, could increase pressure on his club to reach a resolution quickly.
There is also a wider context for supporters to consider: paying a near-£4m fee would represent a significant investment relative to typical transfer activity at this level and would come with expectations about immediate contribution on the pitch.
At present the picture remains unsettled. Lincoln City’s reported interest appears to have progressed beyond initial links, but until clubs issue official confirmations or paperwork is completed, supporters are left to await developments. The coming days could prove decisive as agents, club executives and the player himself weigh up the options in a window that seldom waits.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor the situation closely and report confirmed developments as they arrive.
