Lincoln City close in on Tanto Olaofe as rivals linger

Action Images By  Adam Elliott Published Aug 7, 2026, 10:40 AM GMT+1 Lincoln City are in advanced talks to sign 26‑year‑old striker Tanto Olaofe, with Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient also monitoring the Charlton Athletic forward. Adam is an EFL journalist for Football League World and began his tenure at FLW after a spell at LeedsAllOver.

Lincoln’s pursuit of Olaofe follows interest from Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient, both of whom were credited with interest yesterday. The Imps aim to complete the signing before the transfer deadline, which is less than a month away, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

In the first half of the 2025/26 Championship season, Olaofe scored once in 25 games for Charlton Athletic. Prior to that, he amassed 38 goals in 143 appearances while working with Dave Challanor at Stockport County in League One and League Two.

Olaofe’s early career saw him graduate from Millwall’s youth set‑up, enjoy loan spells at Sutton United and a brief stint at St. Johnstone, before returning to Sutton to help win promotion from the National League. A permanent move to Stockport County in 2023 saw him contribute to their League Two title‑winning campaign.

Lincoln have already allowed Jack Moylan to join Cardiff City and are seeking attacking reinforcements ahead of the deadline. The club’s promotion to the Championship was built on intensity and collective work ethic, traits that match Olaofe’s pressing style.

Sheffield Wednesday are rebuilding after relegation from the Championship, having added Harry Gray, Louie Barry and Mason Burstow to their forward line this summer. Their interest in Olaofe reflects a desire to bolster firepower for the upcoming season.

Leyton Orient, meanwhile, have sold Dom Ballard to Plymouth Argyle, indicating a reshuffle of their attacking options while still keeping an eye on the Charlton striker.

Lincoln envisage Olaofe operating alongside focal point Rob Street in a role similar to Ben House, allowing his pace and intelligent movement to create space for the main striker. The All Stats Aren't We podcast, which Adam co‑hosts, often discusses such tactical fits, and the segment even uses the shorthand "Aren".

While his relentless pressing and ability to stretch in behind suit Lincoln’s style, concerns remain about his limited goal return at second‑tier level – only one goal in 25 appearances for Charlton – which may affect the Imps’ goal‑scoring ambitions.