City’s highly-rated young forward Zane Okoro has linked up with AFC Bournemouth, as confirmed by Imps Director of Football Jez George.
It seems our young prospect is playing some Under 21 matches there, in a similar way to Sean Roughan at Chelsea and Southampton a few seasons ago.
Okoro’s Development Pathway
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, George provided some insight into Okoro’s temporary switch and Lincoln’s strategy for their emerging talents.
“Zane Okoro is at Bournemouth at the moment. He’s got a little spell there, where he’s going to play some U21 fixtures. He’s one we’ve got to get a pathway for. They’ve got to be our project players, the boys who have come through our system.”
Okoro, who has yet to sign a professional contract with Lincoln, has been impressive at the youth level this season, earning opportunities in senior competitions.
Prolific Youth Record
The 18-year-old has been a standout performer for Lincoln’s U18 side, netting 13 goals in 22 appearances across various competitions. His goal tally included a hat-trick against Shrewsbury in November, just days before he made his first-team debut in the FA Cup against Chesham, where he played a part in Lincoln’s fourth goal. He was unlucky not to be credited with the strike, after arguably being fouled as he went through on goal.
Okoro’s scoring prowess extended to the FA Youth Cup, where he bagged four goals in Lincoln’s run to the fourth round—the club’s joint-best performance in the competition. One of his strikes, in the third-round victory over Bolton, was named the club’s Goal of the Month for December.
He further showcased his potential in the EFL Trophy, scoring against Manchester City Under 21s to really sound his arrival on the scene at Sincil Bank.
First-Team Experience and Future Prospects
Although he has yet to make his league debut, Okoro has been included in Lincoln’s matchday squad five times over the past two seasons. He was also part of the travelling squad for the FA Cup clash against Birmingham City last month.
A graduate of Brooke House College, Okoro joined Lincoln’s academy at U14 level before securing a scholarship with the club two years later. While his going to Bournemouth might not seem ideal, it is partly what our academy is there for – not all of the players it produces will play for Lincoln, and there are perhaps shades of Scott Loach here, the keeper who left us before kicking a ball, but later had an impressive career across the upper echelons of English football.
Still, Imps fans will be hoping Zane returns to impact the first team, rather than disappearing into the Cherries’ setup.
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