It seems as though many of us, including me, will soon be delighted as John Akinde is being reported as close to signing a deal with the Imps.
Two fairly reputable Twitter sources have announced the news this afternoon, stating that Akinde is in advanced talks with City. One, EFL News, normally announce a deal when it is 24 hours or so from happening. The other, ‘Exagent1’ is a little less time specific, but he did deliver the news as early as Tuesday.
I've been on the phone tonight organising a London get together with an agent mate, he says Lincoln and John Akinde have been mentioned in the same breath. The problem is the size of the fee, given Akinde's injury. It's holding up his move to AFC Wimbledon.
— James Goodwin (@ExAgent1) June 27, 2018
Lincoln City are close to signing Barnet striker John Akinde. #imps pic.twitter.com/Z1MmNZeE4z
— FL Transfer News (@EFLtransfers3) June 29, 2018
Akinde was transfer listed by relegated Barnet immediately after their drop was confirmed. The 28-year-old scored eight goals for Barnet this season, including one in the final day win over Chesterfield. At the time he was described in local press as one of their ‘all time greats’.
Martin Allen said in that report “He is very, very special but the time has now come for a change of direction and this was a joint decision between myself and the Chairman.”
Akinde is no stranger to Imps fans, having smashed 18 goals for Alfreton in the National League in 2013/14, then bagging 31 in 45 matches for Barnet as they won the league.
His remarkable scoring run continued, he got 23 in 2015/16 in League Two, then 26 in 2016/17. He picked up an injury last summer, meaning a late start last season, resulting in just seven goals from 32 matches, one of which came against City.
If the news turns out to be true, it would finally be the ‘proven’ striker that many have hoped for, a player recommended to Championship clubs twelve months ago. If it is true, it also proves that Danny is willing to pay a fee for the right player, scotching rumours than we’re fishing in some sort of tainted free transfer pool.
Doubtless there will be some who do not fancy Akinde, but his record speaks for itself. This would be a big deal, not quite as big as Tyler Walker is for Mansfield, but big enough to ensure we’re challenging in the top three. Matt Green and John Akinde; what a partnership that would be.
A nuver bleeding suvvernor guv. 😉
Does it matter where they come from.John Akinde always scored against us and always looked dangerous and his goals record is second to non at this level.I have been championing his cause since Barnet were relegated and I for one would be delighted if he came here.The rumour has it Danny will be signing two from the same club What odds on Ackinola comming with him?
Wimbledon out of the John Akinde race now, by choice. Fee agreed with a League Two club. Not thought to be a small fee either.
Barnet fans saying fee agreed with League 2 club, but Akinde not keen on the move. Some say Sky saying Barnet have accepted a bid from a League 1 club, so may not be Lincoln bound after all.