Australian international goalkeeper Joe Gauci joins the Imps on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

Gauci began his footballing journey with West Torrens Birkalla before progressing through the youth systems at Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City. He returned to his hometown in 2020 to join Adelaide United, making his A-League debut during the 2020/21 campaign in a memorable 3-1 victory over Melbourne Victory.

The goalkeeper made the move to English football in February 2024, joining Premier League side Aston Villa. He made his Villa debut later that year in an EFL Cup victory away at Wycombe Wanderers before gaining further first-team experience with League One side Barnsley.

Gauci spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Port Vale, making 41 appearances across all competitions and keeping 11 clean sheets as he continued his development in English football. He now returns to the Championship after securing a season-long loan move to City, providing further competition between the posts ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.