Lincoln City have announced their sixth signing of the summer transfer window as they’ve completed a one-year loan deal for Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley.
The 20-year-old attacker joins with a big reputation from the Champions League side, making four senior appearances off the bench for the Red Devils, with three of which coming in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup.
City have announced the deal just two days after they played their first home match in the EFL Championship since 1961, as they were defeated 3-1 by Portsmouth – meaning the Imps currently sit on zero points from their first two league games this season.
Wheatley is set to add some much needed depth to Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen’s frontline – competing with Freddie Draper, Rob Street as well as fellow new arrivals Mason Melia and Tanto Olaofe for minutes in the team.
Upon signing for Lincoln, Wheatley said: “I’ve been waiting for this to get over the line for quite a while and I’m just really excited to get here, meet all the lads and get going.
“I played against Lincoln last season and didn’t really enjoy it, so I’m glad to be part of the team now.
“I’ve had some loans over the past 18 months. I started in League Two, then last season League One so am looking forward to stepping up to the Championship.
“Lincoln City is a great place for me to showcase what I’m about, but more importantly help the club in what they aspire to do this season.”
His incoming spell at the ProAmpac Stadium will mark his fourth loan move in the EFL, having already spent time at Walsall, Northampton Town and Bradford City over the past 18 months, with the Championship offering the young forward an opportunity to really prove himself at a top level.
Sporting director Jez George said: “This has been a signing that, for reasons out of our hands, has been delayed by a few weeks, so we are delighted to finally get it done.
“Ethan can play anywhere across the top line and has a skill set that will add elite athleticism and pace, as well as technical ability, to our attacking options.
“We have tracked Ethan since his first loan at Walsall and, after speaking with staff at Manchester United and meeting Ethan ourselves, we know he has benefited from his previous loans and is ready for this challenge. He has the attributes, versatility, maturity and work ethic to make a real impact for us at the top end of our team.”