Lincoln City have completed the signing of winger Oscar Thorn from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the LNER Stadium after Colchester accepted a bid earlier this week.
Imps Move Quickly to Seal Deal
Thorn, who came through the academy at Arsenal before joining Norwich City as an apprentice, only signed a fresh two-and-a-half-year deal with Colchester in January. Despite that, the Imps moved swiftly once head coach Michael Skubala identified him as a key target, completing the transfer ahead of the closing stages of the window.
Skubala told the club’s website:
“We are delighted that we have been able to bring Oscar to the club. He is quick, strong, direct, carries the ball well and adds another dimension to our attacking options. His physicality fits our profile well. We also see Oscar’s huge potential and a player who can really develop in our environment.”
Colchester manager Danny Cowley, who handed Thorn his league debut last season, admitted the U’s were disappointed to lose him but accepted the reality of their situation.
“We accepted a bid in the week for Oscar Thorn and he’s in the process of speaking to that club,” said Cowley. “While we’re disappointed, we understand this and I don’t want to be the coach that helps the player with one hand and then punches them in the face with the other by stopping them when bigger, better clubs come in.”
Promising Young Career
Thorn made his senior debut for Colchester in the EFL Trophy against Tottenham Hotspur under-21s during the 2023/24 season before loan spells at Bath City and Chelmsford City helped aid his development. He went on to feature 29 times in League Two last season, scoring once, and had already played five games this campaign before completing his switch to Lincoln.
Colchester, who signed him from Norwich in January 2023, wished the winger well following confirmation of his departure, acknowledging the progress he had made during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Site Opinion
This looks a shrewd piece of business for Lincoln, who continue to target young players with scope to develop under Skubala’s guidance. Thorn’s pace and direct approach will add competition in the wide areas and his long-term contract underlines the faith the Imps have in his potential.
For Colchester, losing another academy product is a blow, but Cowley’s comments highlight the challenge of holding onto emerging talents when higher league clubs come calling.
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