A player linked with a move to Lincoln City earlier this summer now appears to be heading elsewhere, with Archie Collins reportedly in advanced talks with Huddersfield Town.
Back in May, an outlet claimed the Imps had opened talks with the former Peterborough United midfielder ahead of our return to the Championship. I was fairly sceptical at the time, largely because of the source, although Collins himself certainly looked like a plausible target. He became a free agent following the end of his Peterborough contract this summer, having spent three seasons at London Road after joining from Exeter City.
Nothing ever appeared to develop from City’s supposed interest, and our midfield picture has changed considerably since that original story appeared. It feels like this was a clickbait article to drive traffic rather than a solid lead. Collins has remained without a club, but it seems he could now be about to stay in League One rather than secure the Championship move that was being suggested a few months ago.
According to reports, Huddersfield are now in advanced discussions with the 26-year-old. Millwall, Watford and Portsmouth have all been credited with interest during the summer, while Sheffield Wednesday were also linked, but it is the Terriers who appear to have moved to the front of the queue.
Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke broke the latest development, suggesting a deal could now be moving closer.
“Understand Huddersfield are in advanced talks to sign former Peterborough star Archie Collins on a free transfer.”
Collins made 159 appearances during his three years with Peterborough and left at the end of last season after contributing two goals and seven assists during 2025/26. Before moving to Posh, he came through at Exeter City and helped the Grecians win promotion from League Two, building the sort of lower-league pedigree that made the original City link at least believable.
I don’t think there is any suggestion we have missed out on Collins here. The original report was always one I treated cautiously, and plenty has happened since May. City have strengthened following promotion, while our existing midfield options mean Collins no longer feels like an obvious piece of the puzzle.
Still, it is another name we can cross off the summer transfer rumour list. If the Huddersfield move is completed, one of those early links that emerged almost immediately after promotion will finally have a conclusion, just not the one that was being suggested back in May.
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