Lincoln City have opened talks with Fulham keeper George Wickens, as reported by Peter O’Rourke.
22-year-old Wickens hasn’t made a senior appearance for Fulham, but is valued by Transfermarkt at £150,000 after an impressive loan spell north of the border last season.
Lincoln are on the hunt for a keeper after they recently sold Lukas Jensen to Millwall for a fee reported to be around the £400,000 mark. Having already signed Zach Jeacock and Jamie Pardington this summer, they’re now reportedly closing in on their third keeper, Wickens.
The 6ft 5in keeper has had loan spells with Wealdstone and Ross County, and made headlines with the latter in his 13 outings. He saved a Luis Palma penalty against, only for it to be retaken and saved for a second time. During his time in the SPFL, he faced more shots per 90 minutes than any other keeper.
His only experience for the Cottagers has been as part of their Under 21 side in the EFL Trophy, a competition he represented them in three times. He has also played for England at Under 18 level, but it is believed his time in London is coming to a close, and Fulham are ready to cash in and allow him to develop elsewhere.
The Imps are thought to be preparing a permanent move for the keepers, who will become their sixth stopper in as many League One seasons, following on from Josh Vickers (19/20), Alex Palmer (20/21), Josh Griffiths (21/22), Carl Rushworth (22/23) and Lukas Jensen (23/24).
Writer’s View
This feels important for Lincoln. They based their play-off push on a solid defence last season, and losing Jensen was a blow, if not an unexpected one. Many supporters feel that the next move would be for a loan keeper, so if they’re going to secure Wickens on a permanent deal, it is a statement of intent.
They’ve done well with keepers in recent seasons – four of the five they have had throguh the club will likely be playing Championship football next season, and they’ll be hoping in Wickens they’ve identified another young player who can add immediate value to the playing squad, but long-term cash value as he gains experience.
