Lincoln City have signed forward, Ethan Wheatley on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
This move marks Wheatley’s fourth loan spell as a professional player but his first in the Championship, having first spent time at Walsall in the second half of the 2024-25 season but failed to score in four appearances.
He then registered three goals in 25 appearances on loan at Northampton in the first half of last season, before he switched to Bradford City but failed to net in 11 appearances for the Bantams.
Utd nevertheless decided to send the 20-year-old forward back out on loan for this season to Lincoln City, with Wheatley excited to complete his loan switch to the Imps – having not enjoyed playing against them last season in the Imps’ promotion and title-winning League One campaign.
“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.”
Lincoln City’s Sporting Director, Jez George added that the club “are delighted” to complete Wheatley’s loan move after various delays, as he praised the youngster for his versatility up front.
“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.”
Despite Wheatley’s return of just three goals from his three previous loans, George revealed that they’re confident that the experiences will benefit him as he steps up into the Championship.
“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.”
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