Lincoln City have taken 24-year-old right-back Marcel Lavinier on trial as they continue to assess options ahead of the 2025/26 League One season, as reported by EFL Hub.
Lavinier, who most recently played for Yeovil Town in the National League, featured for the Imps during their 5–3 friendly defeat to Huddersfield. The report suggests that he was identified as a possible trialist at Lincoln, and the club was contacted for confirmation. Lincoln has since confirmed that the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea academy player is training with the squad.
The side are currently away from The LNER Stadium at a training camp in Portugal, where they’ll face League Two side Bromley.
Former Swindon Town Right-Back Gets Imps Opportunity
The London-born defender signed for Yeovil in March 2025 and made eight league appearances before his short-term contract expired. Prior to that, he spent two seasons at Forest Green Rovers, making 20 league appearances, and was part of Swindon Town’s squad in 2022/23, featuring in 23 League Two games and scoring twice.
Lavinier came through Chelsea’s youth system before joining Spurs in 2020, where he made his senior debut in a UEFA Europa League win over Wolfsberger AC in February 2021. He never featured in the Premier League but gained experience at Under-21 level. Internationally, he represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level but also trained with Portugal’s youth setup, reflecting his eligibility for both nations.
At Sincil Bank, competition at right-back appears limited. Tendayi Darikwa, recently named club captain, is the only senior option currently in place. Whether Lavinier is being trialled as cover or with a more prominent role in mind remains to be seen, but his appearance suggests Lincoln are open to adding further depth on the flanks.
Writer’s View
This looks like a sensible exploratory move from Michael Skubala. Marcel Lavinier arrives with experience at League Two level and pedigree from both Spurs and Chelsea, even if his recent spell in the National League points to a career in need of revival.
With Darikwa firmly established as first choice, Lavinier would most likely serve as backup—but Lincoln have shown before that they’ll take a closer look at players in training before deciding whether to commit resources. At 24, he may sit just above their usual profile for cover signings, but if he offers versatility and arrives on reasonable terms, it could be a shrewd addition.
