Sunderland have completed the signing of teenage goalkeeper Isaac Allan from League One side Lincoln City.
The 18-year-old, who spent time on trial at the Academy of Light during the 2024/25 campaign, has now signed professional terms and will link up with Graeme Murty’s Under-21 squad.
Allan’s development at Lincoln City has been notable. Originally from the Isle of Man, he took an unconventional path into professional football, earning his break through the UK Football Trials programme. It was there he first attracted attention, eventually earning offers from Sheffield United and Lincoln, with the latter providing a scholarship opportunity and the platform to progress through the youth ranks.
Over the past three seasons, Allan has become a key figure in Lincoln’s Under-18 setup and featured in several FA Youth Cup matches. His progress did not go unnoticed at senior level either, with bench appearances in League One last term, including a trip to Bristol Rovers.
Allan Impresses During Trial Period
Sunderland first invited Allan for a trial earlier this year, with the young keeper training under coaches Fin Lynch and Jordan Moore. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and distribution caught the eye, leading to the club pursuing a permanent deal. The Black Cats now view him as a promising addition to their pool of young goalkeepers, which includes Adam Richardson, Ben Metcalf, and Dan Cameron.
Academy manager Robin Nicholls spoke highly of the new signing:
“We are delighted that Isaac has joined the Club. Having spent some time with us on trial during the back end of last season, he impressed the staff with both his ability and his application. He has a good build for a goalkeeper and has already shown some of the key attributes we look for in that position.”
It is understood that Lincoln City had offered Allan professional terms to stay at Sincil Bank, and as the player is under 24, Sunderland will be required to pay a compensation fee. If an agreement is not reached between the two clubs, the matter will go to a tribunal.
Elsewhere in Sunderland’s academy, the club have recently tied down several of their existing prospects. Ben Kindon and Ben Metcalf have signed professional deals, following earlier agreements with Jaydon Jones and Jack Whittaker, further strengthening the club’s youth setup ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Writer’s View
Isaac Allan’s move from Lincoln to Sunderland highlights the increasingly competitive nature of youth development in the EFL. For Lincoln, it’s another example of their strong academy bearing fruit, even if the player ultimately moves on.
The compensation system offers some protection, but the real loss is the potential Allan had to push for senior minutes in the years ahead. Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to invest smartly in young talent, and Allan’s combination of technical ability and unorthodox journey could see him thrive in the Black Cats’ progressive setup.
