Lincoln City sell Ethan Erhahon to Bolton - 2 negatives outweigh the positive | OneFootball

There are two major negatives in the deal that has seen Ethan Erhahon leave Lincoln City.

There are two major negatives in the deal that has seen Ethan Erhahon leave Lincoln City.

Those elements to the move do not help the club with the start of the upcoming campaign only days away, and outweigh what are undeniable positives in the agreement.

The Scotsman signed for fellow Sky Bet League One Bolton Wanderers this summer, leaving Lincoln after two-and-a-half years with the club.

Ethan Erhahon swaps Lincoln City for Bolton Wanderers

It was exclusively reported by Football League World that Steven Schumacher's side hijacked Wigan Athletic's deal for the central midfielder. The Trotters endured a difficult season last time out, but have recruited well in the summer to build a squad capable of challenging.

That has included former Doncaster Rovers' loanee Teddy Sharman-Lowe and midfielder Xavier Simons from Hull City.

Erhahon did not set the world alight last season, struggling to replicate the stellar form that saw him grab the attention of other clubs 12 months ago. Lincoln managed to hold on to the former St. Mirren man for another campaign, but have now sold him for a fee reported to be £750k by journalist Ben Jacobs on his X account.

While losing any player has its downsides, especially one of the quality of Erhahon, there are positives to this specific deal for the Imps. The 24-year-old was expected to fetch a club-record fee and was one of the hottest talents on the books.

That was alongside the likes of left-back Sean Roughan, who left for Huddersfield Town earlier in the transfer window.

Receiving a hefty fee for Erhahon is good news for a Lincoln side who pride themselves on employing a transfer model which sees them buy low and sell high. Coupled with the comparatively modest output he managed last season, he appears to constitute a smaller loss to the team than he would have done the previous summer.

Two major negatives to the deal for the Imps

However, there are two major negatives to the deal: the fact that he now needs replacing quickly, and the disappointment surrounding what has been the supposed fee.

The first point is the most pressing, with the opening game of the League One season here. Conor McGrandles can fill the gap left in the defensive midfield, or 'number six', role vacated by Erhahon, but he lacks the same star quality and ability to control a game with ease.

That is not to say the former Charlton Athletic man is not a bad replacement, but the departing Erhahon leaves big shoes to fill and he perhaps does not meet the mark.

And, it also leaves a lack of squad depth in that area of the park, with ill-fated returnee Sam Clucas now at Shrewsbury Town and Alistair Smith making his loan move to AFC Wimbledon a permanent one.

The issue of the fee is less well-founded, with the reported sale of £750k a strong return for a player many Imps fans would admit left a lot to be desired last season. Lincoln would have no doubt been seeking more, like any club would in that situation, but the valuation does allow the club to secure a profit.

If a replacement can be quickly secured, perhaps putting to good use the fee secured for Erhahon, then any concerns will soon be placed firmly in the rearview mirror.

But, for now, the lower-than-expected fee and gaping hole in midfield have left a sour taste in the mouth.