Lincoln City have announced the signing of Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Varfolomeev from Czechia first division side Slovan Liberec.
The 21-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee having made three appearances so far this season, most recently playing in a 2-0 victory over Dukla Praha.
Predominantly a holding midfielder, Varfolomeev becomes the Imps’ fourth signing of the summer and just the second to involve a permanent fee after Ryler Towler joined from Championship side Portsmouth.
The Ukrainian under-21 international will be expected to fill the boots of Ethan Erhahon who departed earlier in the window for fellow League One side Bolton Wanderers.
He has made seven appearances for the Ukrainian Under-21’s side since making his debut in March 2022 with the most recent coming exactly two years down the road.
Varfolomeev then wasn’t selected for this summer’s UEFA Euro Under-21 competition, despite making 64 domestic first team appearances throughout his career, as Ukraine crashed out in the Group Stages.
The midfielder is well-versed in Michael Skubala’s double pivot system having operated in a midfield two and occasionally as part of a flat three in Czechia.
Therefore, he should be able to slot seamlessly alongside either Connor McGrandles or Tom Bayliss and continue to provide the dynamism and work rate we have come to expect from the Imps midfield.
He follows Everton attacker Francis Okoronkwo through the door at Sincil Bank after the Englishman signed on loan earlier in the week.
Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala admitted that his side needed depth as they look to continue their push for the play-offs following a strong start to the season.
On the new arrival, Skubala said: “Ivan has all the attributes that we want in this position, he has a real pedigree with multiple U21 caps for Ukraine and we believe that he has a high ceiling.
”He fits our profile as a No.6 and we are delighted that we have been able to bring Ivan to the club.“