Zane commits to the Imps
Teenager Zane Okoro has committed his future to City by signing his first professional contract.
Okoro has agreed a two-year deal, with an option of a further year, following a scholarship which saw him impress first team coaching staff and feature in senior squads throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
The young winger made his Imps debut against Chesham United in the Emirates FA Cup and scored on his first start for the club just a few days later against Manchester City U21 in the Vertu Trophy.
The 18-year-old made two further appearances, coming on as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town and Wrexham in Sky Bet League One.
City’s head coach Michael Skubala said: “Zane is a talented young player, with an elite mentality, who has developed over the past 12 months through exposure to the first team training environment as well as the work of the Academy staff. He has impressed everyone and showed glimpses of the attributes we want in his position during his first team appearances last season.
“Zane is way ahead of schedule in his development but the hard work and biggest challenge, of transitioning from youth to senior football, is still to come. We will support him, find the appropriate pathway and opportunities for him and will believe in him during the inevitable bumps in the road on the journey ahead.”
Jez George, City’s director of football, added “This club’s DNA is based on providing opportunities to talented young people, be that staff or players, and developing our own. Zane is an example of a talented young player who has already benefited from the club’s infrastructure, model and player centred approach, so we look forward to seeing him develop further now that he is full-time within a senior environment.
“He will have the support, help and guidance of outstanding role models within the dressing room and the expertise of Michael, Tom, Chris and Scott, as well as the support staff, to help Zane maximise his talent and fulfil his potential."
Zane (front) is pictured being congratulated by Jovon Makama after scoring on his debut start for the Imps.