Lincoln City are reportedly finalising negotiations with Västerås SK over a major deal for Danish striker Mikkel Ladefoged.
Swedish journalist Daniel Kristoffersson claims the two clubs are discussing the final details of a transfer worth around 50 million Swedish kronor. That converts to approximately £3.8 million, although it is clear a portion of that would be paid up front, with a significant amount made up of potential add-ons.
The size of the fee would make Ladefoged one of the most significant investments in Lincoln City’s history. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding spell in Sweden, scoring 18 goals in 26 league appearances for Västerås since joining the club in January 2025.
Standing at 6ft 8in, Ladefoged would bring an obvious physical presence to our attacking options, but his record suggests there is more to his game than simply providing a target for direct balls. He has scored nine times and provided two assists in the Allsvenskan this season, having previously helped Västerås win promotion with ten goals during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
His performances have included a hat-trick against Häcken in April, with the Dane scoring through a header, an individual run and a powerful finish from the edge of the penalty area. That variety underlined why he has attracted interest and why City appear prepared to commit such a substantial sum to secure him.
Ladefoged began his career with hometown club Næsby, progressing through their academy before finishing as the top scorer in Denmark’s Under-19 division with 31 goals during the 2021/22 season. He subsequently joined Sønderjyske and made his senior league debut against Hillerød in July 2022.
Opportunities with Sønderjyske were limited, but he found regular football during a loan spell with Næstved in 2023/24. Despite undergoing knee surgery during the campaign, he finished as the club’s leading scorer with nine goals in 20 appearances.
A proposed move to Norwegian side Tromsø collapsed during the summer of 2024, with Ladefoged instead joining Esbjerg on loan. That spell produced just one goal in 11 league appearances, but his career changed direction when Västerås handed him a four-year contract in January 2025.
He has since scored 18 times in 26 league outings for the Swedish club, establishing himself as one of the most productive young strikers in Scandinavian football.
Ladefoged has previously spoken about the dramatic improvement he has made since moving to Sweden, having struggled to establish himself during spells with Sønderjyske, Næstved and Esbjerg. In an interview earlier this year, he said: “I needed a fresh start when I took the step to Sweden, because it was as if I couldn’t find a foothold in Denmark at that time. But I have developed like crazy since I came here to a club that believes in my qualities.”
He also explained how his game has developed beyond simply using his size. “I think my heading has improved significantly,” he said. “I have become better in the small play and as a playmaker, I can push the defenders away and run deep. I am not slow either.” Ladefoged also spoke about his appetite for goals, adding: “I’m constantly hungry for more goals, I’m not satisfied with the first one.”
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