Bradford City, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle 'plotting moves' for George Johnston after Bolton Wanderers exit
Bradford City linked with Bolton Wanderers promotion-winner after release
Bradford City are reportedly plotting a move to sign George Johnston with his Bolton Wanderers contract nearing expiry.
The 27-year-old was part of the Trotters side that recently defeated Bradford over two legs at the semi-final stage of the League One play-offs.
He then captained Bolton to victory in the final against Stockport County, helping the club seal a long-awaited return to the Championship.
However, after 191 appearances across four seasons on Bolton’s books, Johnston has been released. His contract will expire next month, meaning the centre-back can be signed as a free agent.
Bradford City credited with interest in George Johnston
According to Football League World, Bradford are plotting a move to sign the former Scotland youth international.
Not only would Johnston not put a dent in the transfer fee budget at Valley Parade, he would add a wealth of experience to Graham Alexander’s squad.
Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle are also said to be keen on the defender, who cut his teeth in Liverpool’s academy before kicking off his senior career in the Netherlands with Feyenoord.
In a statement confirming their retained list, Bolton said: “Johnston departs as Wanderers’ longest serving senior player, having signed a few days before Josh Sheehan in June, 2021 after a spell in the Netherlands with Feyenoord followed the start of his career at Liverpool.”
Bradford City in the transfer market
The business Bradford conducted in the last summer window enabled them to make a relatively seamless transition to life in League One.
Despite being a newly-promoted side, the Bantams soared into the promotion picture and managed to secure a place in the play-offs.
The winter window was not quite as successful for Bradford, who will be keen to ensure they box clever this summer to avoid regressing.
They have already struck a deal to sign forward Jake Beesley, who has arrived in West Yorkshire after a productive spell at Burton Albion. He is no stranger to the city, having enjoyed a goal-laden 2018/19 season on loan at Bradford (Park Avenue) in his Salford City days.