Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci has completed a season-long loan move to Championship side Lincoln City, where he will compete for a starting spot against the club's current number one, George Wickens.
Loan Deal Confirmed
The 24-year-old Australian shot-stopper, who joined Aston Villa from Adelaide United in January 2023, will spend the 2024-25 season at LNER Stadium. Lincoln's goalkeeping coach David Preece expressed his excitement about the arrival, highlighting Gauci's ambition and drive.
“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 (Wickens) is our No.1, but with the aim and desire to compete with him for a place in the team,” 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.”
Competition for Number One Spot
Lincoln City sporting director Jez George confirmed that Gauci will serve as the number two goalkeeper initially but is expected to push Wickens for the starting role. This competition is part of the club's strategy to have two strong contenders in every position.
“This is another signing that completes our recruitment work for a unit of the team,” George said. “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.”
George added that with Jamie Pardington also in the squad, Lincoln now have significant depth in goal. “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.”
Future Flexibility
The loan agreement, which runs for one season, provides Lincoln with flexibility ahead of next summer. George noted that the one-year solution allows the club to evaluate various factors, including the progress of young goalkeeper Zach Jeacock, before making a permanent decision.
“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,” George explained. “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.”
Gauci, who has made one senior appearance for Aston Villa in the FA Cup, will now look to gain regular game time and experience in the Championship with Lincoln.
