Bradford City no longer chasing Bolton captain Johnston, Bolton 2026

Key Points

• Bradford City are no longer pursuing a deal for former Bolton captain Johnston, according to the Telegraph & Argus
• George Johnston was released by Bolton Wanderers following their promotion to the Championship at Wembley in May 2026
• Johnston was Bolton’s longest-serving current player at the time of his release and captained the team to promotion
• The defender has attracted interest from multiple League One clubs following his departure from Bolton
• Johnston originally joined Bolton from Feyenoord in June 2021 via a loan spell at Wigan Athletic
• He made nearly 100 appearances for Bolton Wanderers during his four-year stay at the Toughsheet Community Stadium
• Johnston’s contract was extended in July 2023 until June 2026, but the club chose not to retain him after promotion
• The transfer market for Johnston remains active with several League One sides monitoring his availability
• Bradford City’s decision comes as they assess their squad requirements under manager Graham Alexander
• Johnston’s release marked the end of an era for Bolton, having been the club’s longest-tenured player

 Bolton(Manchester Mirror) June 04, 2026 – Bradford City are no longer in the race to sign Bolton promotion-winning captain George Johnston, the Telegraph & Argus understands. The League One club has withdrawn from negotiations for the experienced defender as they reassess their transfer priorities following Bolton Wanderers’ Championship promotion.

What led to Bradford City dropping out of the George Johnston race?

As reported by the sports desk of the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford City have taken a step back from their pursuit of George Johnston after conducting internal reviews of their squad needs. The Bantams had initially shown genuine interest in securing the former Bolton captain’s services for the upcoming season, but circumstances have changed since the interest was first reported.

George Johnston was released by Bolton Wanderers on 27 May 2026 following the club’s triumphant promotion to the Championship, as confirmed by BBC Sport. The 27-year-old defender had been Bolton’s longest-serving current player at the time of his departure, having made almost 100 appearances for the club since joining from Feyenoord in June 2021.

The Telegraph & Argus reports that Bradford City’s decision reflects a strategic shift in their transfer approach rather than any concerns about Johnston’s abilities. The club is now focusing on different positions to strengthen their squad under manager Graham Alexander’s system.

Why was George Johnston released by Bolton Wanderers after Wembley triumph?

According to BBC Sport’s reporting on 27 May 2026, Bolton Wanderers parted ways with George Johnston despite his crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Championship. The decision came as a surprise to many fans, given Johnston’s status as captain and longest-serving player at the time.

Johnston had signed a new three-year contract extension in July 2023 that was set to keep him at the Toughsheet Community Stadium until June 2026. However, following promotion to the Championship, Bolton opted to rebuild their squad with players suited to the higher division’s demands.

As reported by the Telegraph & Argus, Johnston’s departure ended a significant chapter in Bolton’s history. The Manchester-born defender had become a fan favourite during his four-year tenure, demonstrating leadership qualities that earned him the captain’s armband during critical moments of the promotion campaign.

What does George Johnston’s release mean for League One transfer market?

Following his release, George Johnston has no shortage of interest from League One clubs this summer, according to The72.co.uk’s transfer coverage. The defender’s availability has sparked competition among several League One sides looking to strengthen their defensive options for the 2026-27 season.

The72.co.uk reported that Johnston represents an attractive prospect for League One clubs due to his experience, leadership credentials, and proven track record at the level. His captaincy experience at Bolton makes him particularly valuable for clubs seeking stable leadership in their defence.

Despite Bradford City’s withdrawal, other League One clubs remain keen on securing Johnston’s services. The transfer market for experienced defenders continues to be competitive, with several sides willing to meet the asking price for a player of Johnston’s calibre.

How did George Johnston’s career develop before joining Bolton Wanderers?

George Thomas Johnston was born on 1 September 1998 and began his career in the Liverpool academy system before moving to Feyenoord, where he completed a permanent transfer in August 2019 at age 20. The centre-back captained Liverpool’s U23s for a significant portion of the previous season before departing for the Netherlands.

After his time at Feyenoord, Johnston joined Bolton Wanderers in June 2021 via a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, as documented on Bolton Wanderers’ official website. The move proved successful, with Bolton making the temporary deal permanent and Johnston quickly establishing himself as a key player.

Johnston’s contract situation became a talking point in February 2025, when Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher indicated they would assess the 26-year-old’s fitness ahead of their Leyton Orient clash, as reported by The72.co.uk. At that time, Johnston still had over a year remaining on his deal, highlighting the club’s initial commitment to retaining him.

What positions is Bradford City prioritising under Graham Alexander instead?

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander is reportedly focusing on strengthening different areas of his squad rather than pursuing defensive reinforcements like Johnston. SportsBoom exclusively revealed in January 2026 that Bradford City were in advanced talks to sign Wrexham striker Paul Mullin on loan, indicating their priority lies in attacking options.

Sources in Yorkshire told SportsBoom that the Bantams are looking at a number of targets as Alexander tries to bolster his strike options following a frustrating run of results. This strategic focus on attacking reinforcements explains why Johnston’s pursuit has been deprioritised.

Earlier in January 2026, Bradford City were also reported to be in talks over double loan deals for Newcastle United youngsters Harrison Ashby and Joe White, according to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope as reported by The72.co.uk. These reports suggest the club’s transfer strategy centres on youth acquisitions and attacking depth rather than experienced defensive signings.

Background on George Johnston and Bradford City’s Transfer Strategy

George Johnston’s football journey spans multiple clubs and leagues, beginning with Liverpool’s youth system before his move to Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2019. His development as a centre-back included captaining Liverpool’s U23 side, which demonstrated his leadership qualities early in his career. The transfer to Feyenoord marked a significant step in his professional development, where he gained European experience before returning to English football.

Johnston’s arrival at Bolton Wanderers in 2021 proved transformative for both player and club. His nearly 100 appearances included crucial matches during Bolton’s promotion campaign, culminating in Wembley triumph that secured Championship status. The contract extension signed in July 2023 reflected the club’s confidence in his abilities, with the three-year deal extending until June 2026.

Bradford City’s transfer approach under Graham Alexander has focused on strategic squad building rather than high-profile signings. The club’s interest in Paul Mullin and Newcastle United loan prospects demonstrates their preference for targeting specific positional needs. Their withdrawal from the Johnston race aligns with this methodical approach, prioritising squad balance over individual acquisitions.

The72.co.uk’s coverage of Bradford City AFC includes comprehensive transfer news, rumours, and analysis of the club’s activities in League One, providing regular updates on their squad building strategy.

Prediction: How This Development Affects Bradford City and George Johnston

Bradford City’s decision to drop out of the race for George Johnston will likely have several implications for both parties. For Bradford City, this withdrawal means they must identify alternative defensive options to strengthen their squad for the League One campaign. Given their focus on attacking reinforcements like Paul Mullin, the club may opt for younger, less expensive defensive recruits rather than established League One veterans.

The decision could benefit Bradford City financially, allowing them to redirect transfer funds toward their primary targets in attack. Graham Alexander’s squad planning suggests the club believes their defensive current setup is sufficient compared to their attacking needs. However, missing out on Johnston’s leadership experience could be felt if the team faces defensive instability during the season.

For George Johnston, Bradford City’s withdrawal leaves him available for other League One clubs still interested in his services. The72.co.uk reported that Johnston has no shortage of interest from League One clubs this summer, suggesting alternative options remain plentiful. This development could potentially lead to a move to a club more certain about their ambitions, possibly accelerating his decision-making process.

Johnston’s availability creates opportunities for other League One sides seeking experienced defensive leadership. Teams with promotion ambitions may view him as an ideal addition given his Championship experience through Bolton’s promotion campaign. The competition among interested clubs could drive up his market value or lead to favourable contract terms for the player.

The transfer market dynamics mean Johnston’s next destination will likely be determined by which club offers the most competitive playing opportunity. Clubs with clear promotion targets may outbid those with mid-table ambitions, potentially influencing Johnston’s career trajectory for the 2026-27 season and beyond.