Lincoln City have completed the signing of defender Ryley Towler from Championship side Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
The defender has signed a contract until the summer of 2029 as The Imps fought off interest from fellow League One promotion chasers Luton Town and Huddersfield Town.
The fight for left-back
Towler becomes City’s second signing of the summer after the more experienced head of Sonny Bradley also joined once his contract expired at Derby County.
The pair are expected to fight for the spot left by former City captain Paudie O’Connor although Towler has also previously featured at left-back. Therefore, the Englishman could replace the departed Sean Roughan should Michael Skubala continue with the back four that we saw towards the end of the 2024/25 season.
Towler’s background
Despite being just 23 years old, Towler already has a League One winner’s medal to his name as he featured 11 times in all competitions as Pompey won the title in the 2023/24 season.
He then went on to feature a further 12 times in the Championship last season scoring once as Portsmouth retained their second-tier status.
Upon signing for the Imps Towler said: “I’m absolutely buzzing, when I knew the interest, it was something I really wanted to be a part of, and I can’t wait to get going.”
When asked to describe himself as a player Towler said: “I’m an aggressive centre half, I like to be on the ball, playing out from the back giving absolutely everything.”