Woking are attempting to tie former Lincoln City midfielder Tim Akinola down to a new contract after resisting interest during the January transfer window.
The National League promotion contenders have already rejected multiple approaches for Akinola, whose current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026. With interest continuing to build, the Cardinals are now understood to be offering improved terms in an effort to secure one of their most reliable midfield performers.
Akinola attracted significant attention last month, with Rochdale, Peterborough United and Crawley Town all monitoring his situation. Interest was not limited to the EFL, with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren also credited with keeping tabs, while York City and League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford were likewise linked.
Two bids from York City were turned down, underlining Woking’s reluctance to weaken their squad midway through a campaign in which they remain firmly in the play-off picture. With the midfielder entering the final 18 months of his contract, the club are aware of the balance required between retaining a key player and protecting his long-term value, particularly given the risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the deal.
On the pitch, Akinola has been a steady presence throughout the season, making 25 appearances in England’s fifth tier and registering two assists.
Imps Career
Imps supporters will remember Akinola as part of the club’s youth setup, although he never made a senior appearance before moving on to Huddersfield Town. His subsequent switch to Arsenal raised eyebrows at the time, where he featured regularly at Under-23 level and continued his development within a Premier League academy environment.
That period was followed by a nomadic spell that saw him take in loan moves and short-term stays across the UK and abroad, including Dundee United, Chesterfield, Al Bidda in Qatar, and several National League clubs. Those experiences have shaped a player comfortable adapting to different tactical demands, leagues, and styles of football.
Since arriving at Woking last summer, that adaptability has been put to good use. Trusted to provide structure and balance rather than attacking flair, Akinola has established himself as a dependable option in the centre of the pitch, valued as much for his discipline as for his technical ability.