Lincoln City are reportedly set to sign Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene on loan from Ipswich Town.
According to the Ipswich Star, the two clubs have agreed a deal which will see the 29-year-old move to Sincil Bank until January. The move is expected to be completed before Tuesday evening’s 11 pm transfer deadline.
Ogbene would bring significant Championship and Premier League experience to the Imps, as well as the pace and direct running which has been a feature of his game throughout his career. Primarily a winger, he has also operated as a wing-back and could potentially offer Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw another option on the right following Tendayi Darikwa’s serious injury.
Born in Lagos before moving to Ireland as a child, Ogbene began his senior career with Cork City and later represented Limerick. His performances in the League of Ireland earned him a move to Brentford in January 2018, although he made only a handful of appearances for the Bees before spending time on loan with Exeter City.
He found a more permanent home at Rotherham United, joining the Millers in August 2019 and making 136 appearances across all competitions. Ogbene scored 14 goals during his four seasons with the South Yorkshire club, helping them earn promotion from League One and win the EFL Trophy.
His form at Rotherham secured a move to newly promoted Luton Town in the summer of 2023. He played 30 times and scored four goals in the Premier League, making an impression with his speed and ability to carry the ball against top-flight defenders.
Ipswich paid a reported £8 million to sign him from Luton in August 2024, but his first season at Portman Road was severely disrupted. Ogbene suffered a torn Achilles during a Premier League fixture against Brentford in October, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
After returning to fitness, he spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Sheffield United. He made 13 Championship appearances and scored once for the Blades, finding the net in a home victory against Oxford United.
Ogbene also possesses considerable international pedigree, having made 35 senior appearances and scored five goals for the Republic of Ireland. He became the first African-born footballer to represent the country at senior level when he made his debut against Hungary in June 2021, and was later named the FAI Senior International Player of the Year for 2023.
The reported deal would represent another ambitious addition to City’s squad following promotion to the Championship. Although the initial agreement is understood to run only until January, Ogbene’s experience, versatility and explosive pace could make him a valuable option during the first half of the season.