The Imps have beaten a host of League One clubs to complete the loan signing of forward Liam Cullen from Championship side Swansea City.
It’s news we’ve all been waiting for today, and the 22-year-old, who has featured 43 times for the Swans’ first team, goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of Cambridge United. It’s known that Portsmouth were keen on the player, but it seems others have also been beaten to the punch. The Imps have been interested in Cullen for a while, and that’s something the player has been aware of.
He said: “The interest has been there for a while and once I was told that I was allowed to go out on loan I got up here as soon as I could. There were other clubs interested but none showed the desire that Lincoln did, which is why I’m here. I know the club and have some old friends here so was keen to come.”
He added that the playing style has a lot to do with his decision, vindicating Michael’s stoic refusal not to change the way we play during the testing times.
“The reputation the club has for developing players is brilliant. They are a young team who like to play football; a style of play that will suit me really well and hopefully I can hit the ground running. I’m really excited. I’ve heard a lot about the fans, especially the 617 Squadron in the corner, so I’m looking to getting out there in front of them.”
After having a rather torrid August window, Michael is clearly delighted to get his man on a loan deal until the end of the season.
“Liam’s a great addition for us,” he added. “He’s got good pedigree and has been a top target for us this January, but with a lot of competition we’ve had to work hard to ensure he came to us. He is experienced in the Championship and will bring that knowledge to us. He can lead the line as a central striker, likes to be around the box and can score goals from those positions.
“He’s good with his back to goal and comes alive in the box. He is happy dropping deep or wide to get the ball but we want to keep him in the middle. He plays in a central attacking role, has a good work rate and has the ability to really excite fans once he gets up and running.”
Liam is a left-footed striker who usually plays as an out-and-out nine, although he can sit a little deeper if required. He’s had more game time than Morgan Whittaker for the Swans this season, and whilst his teammate was making waves here on Saturday, Cullen was starting for the Swans against Southampton in the FA Cup. In total, he played 666 minutes for Swansea this season, and has a single assist and no goals to show for his efforts. He’s been appearing on and off for Swansea in the Championship since February 2020 and has two goals and an assist to his name.
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