Lincoln City have brought in Australian shot-stopper Joe Gauci on a season-long loan deal from UEFA Champions League side Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper is yet to feature in the Premier League since arriving at Villa Park in January 2024, being selected to start in between the sticks on two occasions – with both coming in the Carabao Cup.
He has since gone out on two separate loan spells in England, with the first of which being to Barnsley in 2025 and the second being Port Vale last campaign.
Gauci impressed whilst out on loan at the Valiants last season, keeping 11 clean sheets in 34 Sky Bet League One appearances despite his side’s relegation.
Before making the move to England, he was widely regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in the A-League, with his impressive 76 appearances and 16 clean sheets earning him seven starts for the Australia national team in between 2023 and 2024.
He arrives at Sincil Bank as backup to George Wickens, adding competition to the 24-year-old who recently penned a new contract at the club.
On the signing, Goalkeeping coach David Preece said: “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.
“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.”
Gauci has been described as a reliable, all-round goalkeeper who establishes command in his own penalty area.