City have completed the permanent signing of Ryley Towler from Sky Bet Championship side Portsmouth.
The Imps will pay an undisclosed fee for the left-sided defender who has signed a deal which will run until the summer of 2029.
Towler was part of the Pompey side that landed the Sky Bet League One title in the 2023/24 campaign and featured 14 times in all competitions last term as they retained their second tier status.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at his hometown club Bristol City. During his time with the Robins he furthered his footballing development with loan spells at the likes of Grimsby Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Oh my word…
Portsmouth centre back Ryley Towler has scored the goal of a lifetime 🤯🤯#Pompey
pic.twitter.com/vYQncRiTQj— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) July 20, 2024
City’s head coach Michael Skubala said: “Ryley is a left footed, multi-functional defender with all of the attributes we value and the flexibility to play in three defensive positions for us. He is a brilliant addition to our defensive unit and will add qualities to our group with a different skillset to our other defenders.
“Ryley started 10 games in the Championship last season, having helped Portsmouth win promotion, and is ready to come in and contribute immediately as well as having a high ceiling for his future development.”
City’s director of football Jez George added: “This is a market opportunity that we couldn’t miss. We have tracked Ryley since he was a young player at Bristol City, seen him progress at Portsmouth and worked really hard to make this happen once we knew that he could be available and wanted to make his next move based on a footballing decision.
“Ryley is 6ft 4in, left footed, good in possession, quick and only 23 years old with huge potential so this is a really exciting signing for us.”