The Imps are once again being linked with a move for Blackpool right-back Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel as the summer window approaches.
Back in March 2024, we were credited with an interest in Gabriel, then actively featuring under Neil Critchley at Bloomfield Road. At the time, he’d racked up a handful of appearances after recovering from injury, and while it is believed he was on a list, I later had it confirmed we’d not pursued our interest.
Now, over a year later, the link has resurfaced — and this time it could carry more weight, with the 25-year-old due to leave Blackpool at the end of his contract this summer.
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Gabriel has had an eventful time in Tangerine since first arriving on loan from Nottingham Forest for the 2020/21 campaign. That season, he helped the Seasiders secure promotion to the Championship via the play-offs, ironically at the expense of us. He made a brief appearance in the dramatic 2-2 draw between the two clubs at Sincil Bank but was an unused substitute for the final at Wembley.
His impact was enough to earn a permanent move, and on 31 August 2021, Gabriel signed a four-year deal with Blackpool for an undisclosed fee. During the club’s two-season stint in the Championship, he made 41 appearances before injury issues began to disrupt his momentum. A knee problem suffered in April 2023 sidelined him until the following December, compounded by a similar injury earlier that season which kept him out for four months.
Despite setbacks, Gabriel has re-established himself in League One throughout the 2024/25 campaign. He made 13 starts and 17 substitute appearances, contributing two goals — including a notable FA Cup strike against former side Nottingham Forest.
In total, he’s played 142 games for Blackpool and has been a mainstay during some of the club’s most turbulent yet memorable years. With his contract expiring and Blackpool not expected to renew, Lincoln’s revived interest could signal a shrewd piece of summer business.
The original rumour, circulated by Alan Nixon, claimed the Imps would be interested “even if they stay in League One.” A year later, with Lincoln once again gearing up for a summer rebuild, that suggestion appears to have held water. No fee would be required this time around, though the player’s fitness record and wage expectations will no doubt factor into discussions.
Is it viable?
I’d say it is viable, but not nailed-on. Having previous interest means we’ve done due diligence, and stepping away last summer could have been related to fees as much as anything. The player is free now, but he has interest from so many clubs (reportedly) that it’s hard to know what to believe. Northampton Town, Mansfield Town, Port Vale, Burton Albion, Reading, Doncaster Rovers and Notts County have all been mentioned.
Gabriel plays at right back, and that is a slight concern. I can see us wanting two for every position, but surely Tendayi Darikwa will be our starting right back? If that’s the case, we either see Gabriel as being able to play further forwards, or he’s happy rotating. Or (and this is most likely) we’ve been thrown into the mix by an agent as we had previous interest with little to no basis.
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