James Trafford reacts to George Johnston leaving Bolton for Luton Town | OneFootball

George Johnston has confirmed his move to Luton Town after his Bolton exit

Luton Town have confirmed their first signing of the summer as they target a promotion push in 2027.

George Johnston has signed a long-term deal with the Hatters following his exit from Bolton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old featured 43 times for the Whites this season as they finished fifth in the League One table under Steven Schumacher.

The defender also started each of Bolton’s three play-off clashes as they swept aside Bradford City and Stockport County to clinch their promotion to the Championship.

However, Johnston has departed the club following the expiration of his contract, opening the door for his move to Kenilworth Road.

Jack Wilshere will be hoping this is just the beginning of a busy summer of transfer activity, with Luton just missing out on a top six finish this campaign.

Ex-Bolton loanee James Trafford reacts to George Johnston’s transfer switch to Luton Town

Johnston has posted on his personal Instagram account his excitement at having his move to Luton confirmed after his time at Bolton came to an end.

The 27-year-old is looking forward to the season ahead, and meeting the fans and his new teammates as he begins the next chapter in his career.

“Delighted to get it done and officially join Luton Town,” wrote Johnston.

“Can’t wait to get started, meet everyone at the club and to play in front of the fans.

“Excited for this new chapter and for the season to begin.”

James Trafford, who spent two seasons on loan with Bolton, and played alongside Johnston, has responded to confirmation of Johnston’s move to Kenilworth Road.

“Kit suits u (sic),” replied the Manchester City goalkeeper.

The pair both made the move to Bolton during 2021/22, with Trafford arriving on loan and Johnston signing from Feyenoord.

The shot-stopper signed in the January market, and made a total of 67 league appearances across his 18 months with the club.

He has since played for Burnley and Man City, with some uncertainty now surrounding his immediate future after making just four league appearances in Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

Meanwhile, Johnston will be hoping he can help Luton earn promotion back to the Championship at the second attempt.

The Hatters were relegated in 2025, but couldn’t come straight back up as they finished seventh in the table, one point adrift of the top six.

Wilshere took charge of the club in October, with the move being his first step into the main management role.

The 34-year-old previously worked as a coach at underage level at Arsenal, as well as with the first team staff at Norwich City.

While Luton missed out on a play-off place, they did taste Wembley success as they won the EFL Trophy final, beating Stockport County.

George Johnston deal is a positive start for Luton Town's summer business

Luton had a strong end to the campaign, but even so they will need to reinforce areas of the squad, and bringing in someone with Johnston’s experience will be a valuable addition.

He has proven himself as a leader and a top player at a League One level, so this could be an ideal first move of the summer.

The centre-back was a key part of Schumacher’s promotion side this season, and Wilshere will be leaning on that success to help his Luton side get over the line.