Västerås SK head coach Alexander Rubin has admitted it is difficult to predict whether reported Lincoln City target Mikkel Ladefoged will remain with the Swedish club.
The 23-year-old striker has been linked with a move to the Imps, with reports in Sweden claiming final negotiations have taken place over a transfer potentially worth SEK 50 million (£3.9m), including bonuses. Such a package would represent record-breaking business for Västerås and for the Imps, although there has not yet been confirmation that an agreement has been reached.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Rubin was asked whether the Danish forward had already played his final game for the Allsvenskan club.
“It’s hard to count on anything, you don’t know what will happen. Zoomed out, I think that if we do well, our players will get interested.”
Rubin naturally wants to retain a player who has become an important part of his side, but acknowledged that a head coach has limited influence once serious transfer interest develops.
“Of course I would like to keep him as long as possible, but it doesn’t work that way. It’s just about doing everything you can week in and week out. That way you see which players are available and remain at the club. You can’t do much more as a coach.”
Ladefoged stands at just over two metres tall and has scored nine goals in the Allsvenskan this season. He had previously registered ten league goals as Västerås won promotion from the Swedish second tier, taking his tally to 19 league goals since joining from Sønderjyske in January 2025.
His development has unsurprisingly brought attention from elsewhere, but Rubin has been impressed by the way the striker has continued performing while speculation over his future intensifies.
“He has made fantastic progress and the interest around him is proof of that. It is something we will take into account in our activities. It is great that he is performing well in the Allsvenskan.
“He is a very determined guy who works hard and is handling this situation by performing for VSK, while things are happening outside.”
There had been further intrigue when Ladefoged was withdrawn at half-time during Västerås’ 6-0 defeat against Djurgården. Rubin has now clarified that the decision was not connected to a possible transfer, while describing the problem as minor discomfort rather than an injury.
“All things considered, when we were down 3-0 in the match, the physical team, together with me, made the assessment at half-time that it was best for him not to finish the game.”
Västerås have not yet reached the stage of identifying a direct replacement, according to Rubin. The club would initially look within its existing squad should Ladefoged depart, although recruitment discussions would also take place alongside that process.
“We haven’t gotten that far yet. The first thing we will do if a player disappears, regardless of whether it’s Mikkel or someone else, is to use the players we have in the best way possible. Then, of course, parallel discussions about possible new acquisitions will also take place.”
Rubin’s comments do not suggest that Ladefoged’s departure is certain, but they also stop well short of dismissing the possibility. With the Västerås coach openly acknowledging the interest and the realities of the transfer market, this remains one to watch as City continue working on their attacking options.