The Imps have been linked with a move for Bromley centre back Deji Elerewe, a highly-rated 22-year-old centre back.
There were reports this morning from The Deck that Elerewe, who began his career with Charlton Athletic, was on the move after the Ravens accepted a bid for his services. Later in the day, Rich Cawley reported that we were that club. Cawley is a renowned journalist who covers Charlton, with the Addicks having an ongoing interest in his transfer.
Elerewe signed for Bromley in February 2024 after two loan spells with the club. He came through the youth academy at the Valley, with a loan spell at Wealdstone before his association with Andy Woodman’s Bromley. He helped them to promotion to League Two, and has been a leading figure for them as they have risen to the top of League One this season.
Elerewe is still only 22, but is out of contract this summer, which would mean a potential development fee. Considering that we got around £500,000 for Sean Roughan, who we had brought over from Ireland, developed in the academy and invested heavily in, Bromley would be unlikely to get a massive package for their prized jewel. It’s reported that a fee has been agreed ahead of his move.
If the reports are accurate, it would seem to hint at the exit of Lewis Montsma. Lewis has been on the bench for the last couple of matches, but is sure to want senior football soon, and has been linked with moves to both Shrewsbury and Doncaster Rovers.
Elerewe is certainly the type of player we’d look at. He’s ranked as the fourth-best centre half under 23 in League Two, and has been drawing rave reviews of late. Watching his clips, he’s definitely the sort of defender we would be lucky to have, with assists in recent games coming from a cross nodded back across goal, and a ball carry which saw him whip a cross into the box for a finish. He’s a big threat in both boxes, but looks really comfortable on the ball. Also, he’s 6ft 5in tall, which would be a dream for our set-piece coaches to work with.
At the moment, this is speculation, and few expected us to go out and buy a player in this window after Josh Honohan, but it does make sense. Elerewe’s profile suits us, without a doubt, and like Cohen Bramall, he’s impressed in the league below, is of an age he can develop and accrue value, and is maybe available for a little less than he might be if he were tied to a five-year contract.
It remains to be seen if this is viable, but if it is, my gut feeling is it would be something to be celebrated.