Key Points
- George Thomason, former Bolton Wanderers captain, has completed a permanent move to Wrexham for an undisclosed transfer fee, reportedly in excess of £1million and believed to be around £1.2million.
- Wrexham have signed the 24-year-old midfielder on a three-year deal, subject to registration and international clearance.
- Thomason made 169 appearances for Bolton, having joined from non-league Longridge Town in 2020, and was named club captain in September 2024.
- During his tenure, Thomason helped Bolton secure promotion from League Two and win the EFL Trophy.
- Wrexham view Thomason as a key addition to their squad for the upcoming Championship campaign, joining recent signings Ryan Hardie, Danny Ward, and Liberato Cacace.
- Bolton’s head coach Steven Schumacher and manager Phil Parkinson of Wrexham both issued statements to acknowledge Thomason’s contributions and the impact of the transfer.
- Kennedy details indicate considerable interest from other clubs, including Huddersfield Town.
- Thomason expressed his excitement at joining Wrexham and looks forward to ‘being part of the club’s journey’.
- Fan reactions and reflections from Thomason on his time at Bolton have been captured in farewell interviews and club statements.
- The transfer continues an ambitious summer for Wrexham, who also signed Cacace, reportedly for a club-record fee.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club has officially announced the departure of midfielder George Thomason, with the player completing a permanent transfer to Wrexham AFC. The deal ends Thomason's five-year tenure at Bolton, marking a significant move for both clubs ahead of the new football season.
What Are the Details of George Thomason’s Transfer to Wrexham?
As reported by the official statement from Bolton Wanderers and subsequently carried by Wrexham.com, George Thomason has signed a three-year contract with Wrexham AFC. The transfer fee remains officially undisclosed, but widespread media coverage, including The Athletic and The Wrexham Insider, places the price at approximately £1.2million—a significant outlay for the Welsh club.
The signing is pending registrations and international clearance, but both clubs, in their respective communications, have confirmed the completion of the transaction. Thomason is expected to join the Wrexham squad later in the week, integrating into a team already bolstered by recent high-profile acquisitions.
Why Did Bolton Wanderers Sell their Captain George Thomason?
According to the statement published on the Bolton Wanderers official site, head coach Steven Schumacher credited the player’s “excellent service” and personal development during his tenure at the club. Schumacher said,
“His development here is a credit to his own hard work and the environment we aim to create. We are constantly evaluating the squad to ensure we have the right profile to achieve our ultimate objective and sometimes that process involves making difficult decisions. This move represents a good opportunity for George. It also provides value to the club that we can use to continue strengthening. We thank him for his fantastic contribution and wish him nothing but success for the future”.
As detailed by The Wrexham Insider, the decision to allow Thomason to leave was influenced by Bolton’s ongoing strategy to refresh their squad and reinvest transfer funds.
Who Is George Thomason and What Has He Achieved at Bolton Wanderers?
As chronicled by the BBC and Wrexham.com, Thomason joined Bolton in January 2020 from non-league Longridge Town. He initially embarked on loan spells to Bamber Bridge before breaking into Bolton’s first team toward the end of 2020. He quickly established himself as a midfield fixture, helping secure promotion from League Two and picking up the club’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2020/21 campaign.
By the 2023 season, Thomason had emerged as a crucial squad member, contributing to Bolton’s EFL Trophy win and back-to-back League One play-off campaigns. In September 2024, he was named club captain by Ian Evatt. Across 169 appearances, he scored 13 goals—five of which arrived during the recent season.
What Has George Thomason Said About His Move to Wrexham?
Citing George Thomason’s remarks as covered by Wrexham.com and The Athletic, Thomason conveyed his enthusiasm for joining Wrexham, stating:
“I’m buzzing to be here, and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey that the Club has been on. It’s a really exciting time to be a part of the Football Club and it’s going to be a really exciting season”.
In farewell reflections published by Bolton Wanderers before his departure, Thomason expressed gratitude to staff, teammates, and supporters for their unwavering support during his five-year spell.
How Has the Football Community Reacted to the Transfer?
Wrexham fans greeted the news with optimism, as reported by The Wrexham Insider, lauding Thomason’s combative style and leadership qualities, which are viewed as a strong fit for manager Phil Parkinson’s tactical blueprint.
Phil Parkinson, as quoted in Wrexham.com, welcomed Thomason’s addition to the squad:
“We’re delighted to welcome George to the Club. We’re looking forward to getting him in training with the lads later this week, and fully integrating him into the group”.
Bolton supporters have acknowledged the loss, reflecting on Thomason’s positive contributions and leadership.
What Other Business Has Wrexham Conducted in the Transfer Market?
As chronicled by multiple outlets, including Wrexham.com and The Athletic, George Thomason’s arrival marks Wrexham’s fourth major acquisition this summer. The ambitious Championship newcomers, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have also completed the signings of Ryan Hardie, Danny Ward, and a club-record move for New Zealand international Liberato Cacace from Empoli for a rumoured £2.3million.
Further recruitment activity is expected, with detailed interest in free agent forward Josh Windass, recently released by Sheffield Wednesday.
What Are the Immediate Implications for Both Clubs?
Wrexham’s capture of a player with proven League One pedigree signals their determination to cement a competitive status in the Championship, their first campaign at that level since 1981-82. Thomason is expected to be considered for roles in central midfield or as an attacking midfielder, depending on the tactical demands of the season.
Bolton, meanwhile, will look to reinvest proceeds from Thomason’s sale as they continue to reshape their squad under Steven Schumacher. As stated by the club, the fee received
“provides value to the club that we can use to continue strengthening”.
What Is the Broader Significance of This Transfer?
George Thomason, now only the third player to be signed by Wrexham for a seven-figure fee after Cacace and Sam Smith, marks a continuing trend of rapid escalation at the club exclusively chronicled by BBC Sport and The Athletic. His uncompromising style, lauded leadership, and versatility are anticipated to complement Phil Parkinson’s plans for a successful Championship campaign.
As reported by The Athletic, Wrexham are preparing for the return of the squad from their pre-season tour in Australia and New Zealand, with Thomason poised to join the group as preparations intensify for the new league season.
What Did the Clubs’ Official Statements Emphasise?
- Bolton Wanderers: Emphasised Thomason’s professionalism, growth from non-league football, and the importance of reinvesting in the squad.
- Wrexham AFC: Expressed delight at securing Thomason’s signature and underlined the club’s current momentum as they assemble a competitive Championship squad.