Ethan Wheatley completes loan move from Manchester United to Lincoln City after Bradford City spell
Manchester United have confirmed a fresh loan challenge for Ethan Wheatley following his loan spell at Bradford City
Manchester United have sent Ethan Wheatley on loan to Lincoln City following his stint at Bradford City.
The 20-year-old was sent to West Yorkshire in January after spending the first half of the season on loan at Northampton Town.
There were signs of promise from the England youth international, but he failed to score in any of his 12 appearances for the Bantams.
Ethan Wheatley’s new loan challenge confirmed
He returned to his parent club at the end of the season and was linked with the likes of Everton, Schalke 04 and SC Cambuur.
Newly-promoted Championship outfit Lincoln have won the race for Wheatley’s signature, landing the forward on a season-long loan deal.
After putting pen to paper, he 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.”
Loan spells benefit
Wheatley has not been prolific as a loanee yet, although there is plenty of time for the frontman to develop and reach the heights he has been tipped for.
Lincoln’s 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.”