Swindon Town are taking a look at the midfielder on trial as they weigh up a potential swoop. He cut ties with fellow League Two side Cheltenham Town this summer following their relegation from League One along with Port Vale, Fleetwood Town and Carlisle United.
Olayinka, 23, saw his deal with the Robins expire in late June and he has since been weighing up his options as a free agent. He spent two years on the books of the Gloucestershire outfit.
Mark Kennedy has shared this update, as per the Swindon Advertiser: “James has been in. I know James very well from playing against him, he is a very talented boy, technical, final third creativity, and has really good skills.
“He has found himself in a very unfortunate situation, I struggle to understand why he has not got a club but he has found himself there and so I think we have been good for each other in that regard. He has done very well.
“We have brought him in to have a look at him; Marcus [Bignot] has worked with him for over a year and I remember playing against his teams and when we were doing our match prep, he was a real standout. I have said to him ‘If somebody knocks on your door before we do and they offer you a contract, we will wish you well’ but he has done really well and has certainly enhanced our training.”
Swindon Town eye free agent
Swindon Town could see Olayinka as someone to bolster their options in midfield.
The fact he doesn’t have a club means they won’t have to fork out a fee to get him which is ideal.
He made 43 appearances for Cheltenham Town before his exit and chipped in with a single goal.
Olayinka started his career at Arsenal and rose up through the academy ranks of the Premier League giants.
He was a regular for the Gunners at various different youth levels and penned his first professional deal at the Emirates Stadium in 2019.
The Londoner never played for their first-team though and was loaned out to Northampton Town and Southend United in the Football League to get some experience under his belt.
Cheltenham Town then snapped him up permanently on a two-year deal.
What now?
Swindon Town have a decision to make about whether to sign him.
If not, his search for a new home will continue. Kennedy’s side are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Newport County following their 1-1 draw at Barrow last time out.
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