Lincoln City have completed the season-long loan signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci, subject to Premier League and EFL approval.
The Australia international arrives at Sincil Bank following an impressive individual campaign with Port Vale, despite the Staffordshire club suffering relegation from League One. The 26-year-old now makes the step up to the Championship and joins George Wickens and Jamie Pardington in the goalkeeping department.
Gauci made 34 league appearances for the Valiants, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding 40 goals. His performances earned plenty of praise, with the goalkeeper emerging as one of the more reliable members of a side battling towards the bottom of the division.
He was signed by Aston Villa in 2024 following his performances for Adelaide United. He made 76 senior appearances for the Australian club after establishing himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in the A-League. Before joining Port Vale, Gauci also gained EFL experience during a loan spell with Barnsley. He has represented Australia at senior level and was involved in the Socceroos’ preparations ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
“Joe has a lot of the qualities that we want in a goalkeeper, but most importantly he is ambitious, driven and comes knowing that George is our No.1, but with the aim and desire to compete with him for a place in the team,” goalkeeping coach David Preece said.
“I have followed him since his days at Adelaide United; the club has tracked him since he joined Aston Villa and Joe will add brilliant depth to our goalkeeping department.”
With Zach Jeacock out on loan, a number two was always expected, but one that can put real pressure on George in the sticks.
“This is another signing that completes our recruitment work for a unit of the team,” said sporting director Jez George.
“Joe comes in as our No.2 goalkeeper, but what attracted us to him, as well as his undoubted ability and attributes, is his mentality and desire to back himself to compete with George, who he knows starts the season as our No.1 goalkeeper.
“With Jamie, we now have real depth in our goalkeeping department. We are aiming for two players who believe they should start in every position across the squad, so this is no different. Therefore, we have used a loan to create genuine competition for George rather than a goalkeeper who is a ‘specialist No.2’ in the Championship.
“It also gives us complete flexibility next summer, based on numerous factors including Zach Jeacock’s progress, which is why a one-year solution made total sense.”
Joe could make his unofficial Lincoln City debut this evening against Grimsby Town, with two separate XIs expected against the Mariners.
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