The Imps have been linked with a move for 22-year-old Fulham keeper George Wickens, but unlike our previous raids on the top flight, it appears this could be permanent.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has got us down as possible suitors for Wickens, who stands 6ft 5in tall. Given the Lukas Jensen has recent moved, and that our current profile requirement is big, tall keepers, it feels like the sort of move we’d be chasing.
What is really interesting is it sounds like a permanent move, and for me, that is huge. If we have identified a keeper who we believe can progress and move on, and we’re willing to pay for him to be ours permanently, that is a real signal of intent and an indication the much-discussed ‘model’ is working.
Who is George Wickens? He’s progressed throguh the youth ranks at Fulham and is described as having a ‘remarkable range of movement’ by O’Rourke. He has senior experience, with loan spells at National League outfit Wealdstone United and SPFL side Ross County, making 53 appearances in total.
🦌 Loan from @FulhamFC to @RossCounty
🧤 Record number of saves vs Rangers
🥅 Penalty double against Celtic
🔲 Facing St Mirren live on Sky
🔮 What the future holdsHear from @georgewickens_ ahead of Ross County vs St Mirren tonight live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/XZPE2f2jcW
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 27, 2024
Like some of our other young keepers of old, he’s also represented his country at youth level, appearing for England at Under 18 level. On paper, he looks to be a sound stopper, exactly the profile the club have identified as being required.
He had an interesting time in Scotland with Ross County, whom he only joined in January. In 13 matches, he faced more shots per game than any keeper in the division (6.01) but also made more saves per game than any (4.26). He was also second in the division for the stats ‘leaving line per 90’, which demonstrates a command of the area, exactly what we saw from Lukas.
This is a rumor at present, but if it is one we’re pushing ahead with, it looks really exciting indeed, and I’m not one for getting carried away with signings. However, when we’re talking permanent deals, spending money, and potential in the future, all the boxes seem to be ticked.