Ipswich Town’s former loanee Callum Elder has completed a move to Lincoln City on a two-year contract after his Derby County exit this summer.

What happened?

The 31-year-old full-back was out of contract at Pride Park and has now joined the newly promoted Championship side. Elder, who spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Portman Road, becomes Lincoln City’s first signing since their League One title triumph last season.

Lincoln sit second in the Championship on 84 points from 46 games with a recent run of WDDWD, eight points clear of the play-offs and 11 adrift of leaders Coventry. The Imps have also scored 80 goals and conceded 47, sitting on a +33 goal difference.

Why it matters

Elder’s arrival adds defensive depth to a Lincoln side chasing a mid-table finish in their first top-flight campaign since 1961/62. The Australian, who made just five appearances for Ipswich Town during his loan spell, brings Championship experience after three seasons at Derby.

Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw highlighted Elder’s potential role in their project during recruitment talks. The defender’s move follows Lincoln’s summer rebuild after promotion, with the club targeting consolidation in the second tier.

What comes next?

Lincoln City open their Championship campaign with a clash against Middlesbrough on August 3. Elder will compete for a starting berth in a reshaped squad that includes summer signings like Olamide Shodipo and Reece Hutchinson.

Ipswich Town, meanwhile, are preparing for their second consecutive season in the Championship after finishing second last term with 84 points, 11 behind Coventry. The Blues have already added players like Sam Morsy and Nathan Broadhead this summer.