Imps Secure Goalkeeper Signing

Photo Credit: Lincoln City FC

Lincoln City made their third signing of the season today, with goalkeeper Lukas Jensen signing on a permanent two year contract.

Lukas is a 24-year-old goalkeeper, who comes into the squad to challenge Jordan Wright for the number one spot in the 2023/24 campaign. He became a free agent this summer after his release from Premier League side, Burnley, who he joined in 2019 after moving to England from Denmark. Despite being young Lukas has gained experience over his career, playing 68 games in a number of different leagues.

Lukas began his career with Danish sides Helsingor and Hellerkup IK before moving to England after being snapped up by Burnley. Despite not featuring for the Clarets, he gained EFL experience through loan spells at Bolton Wanderers, Carlisle United and most recently Accrington Stanley, where he made 35 appearances last season.

Upon signing with the club, Lukas said: “It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now and I couldn’t be happier to get it over the line. I’ve been following the club in recent years and have seen loads of young keepers who have played lots of games.

“Having spoken to people at the club, everything they’ve told me shows me this is the perfect fit. Lincoln is definitely the right call for what I need now and in the future. I believe we can bring the best out of each other in terms of the way we are going to play and how that’s going to suit me.”

Director of football Jez George explained the change of strategy from signing loan goalkeepers in the past three seasons to Lukas being a permanent signing, adding: “In the past we have identified the best goalkeeper on loan in League Two from the previous season as our best option to sign. 

“The only difference on this occasion is that Lukas was on loan in League One and was then a free agent after leaving Burnley, so became a permanent option. That means he is our asset, so the club can benefit if he continues to develop and goes on to play at a higher level.” 

This is a player we know slightly more about with his presence in League One and League Two over the past few seasons, and while it isn’t as exciting as an England Under-21 International in on loan, it is a really smart pickup. He has loads of experience for his age, especially for a goalkeeper and has come off the back of a good season with Accrington, despite the relegation. If he can come in and challenge Jordan Wright, then we’ve got ourselves a good pickup.

I’m also pleased with the timing of the signing, getting him through the door before pre-season means he has a chance to gel with the defence and learn the way we play rather than going straight into action in a competitive game like Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths have done in the past. It may not be the most exciting signing we make this window (goalkeepers never are) but it’s a good one. At just 24, he has potential to grow still and most importantly he is our player and that is something I’m really happy about.

The squad is now starting to come together, which is impressive considering we are only five days into the official transfer window! Not long to go now until pre-season and the excitement, for me anyway, is starting to build!