Sheffield Wednesday lose out to Luton Town in race to sign ex-Bolton star | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have lost out on signing a Bolton Wanderers player to Luton Town, with Bradford, Stockport, and Plymouth also keen...

Bolton Wanderers gained promotion, leaving Luton Town in League One, whilst also replacing Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship for 2026/27.

Luton remain stuck in the third division after failing to secure an immediate return following their own recent double drop from the Premier League down to League One. As a result, both Sheffield Wednesday and Luton will enter the campaign carrying significant expectations and pressure to challenge for promotion.

That shared objective could lead to both clubs targeting many of the same players in the transfer market. Proven League One performers and undervalued Championship squad players, in particular, are likely to appeal to both recruitment teams. They could even come from clubs like Bolton Wanderers after their promotion.

Neither club can afford to waste time on long-term projects when promotion is the priority. Instead, they will be searching for players capable of making an immediate impact, meaning competition for some of the division's most attractive transfer targets may be inevitable throughout the summer.

George Johnston set for Luton Town switch despite Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City interest

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Bolton Wanderers appear to have taken a ruthless approach to their promotion, given some of the best players from 2025/26 have already been released - that includes George Johnston, Kyle Dempsey, and Jordi Osei-Tutu among others.

That calibre of player is certain to have interest from the elite in League One. Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City, and Luton have eyed Johnston recently, and it appears Sheffield Wednesday have also recently joined that interested list of teams.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke states that he understands Luton have won the race to sign the former Bolton captain on a free transfer. The centre-back is due for a medical at Kenilworth Road.

It is said that the Hatters beat off interest from the likes of Wednesday, Bradford, and Stockport County in the end for the versatile defender.

Johnston played 191 games for Bolton after joining permanently from Feyenoord in 2021, with the 27-year-old spending time in Liverpool's academy earlier in his development.

George Johnston is a real coup for Jack Wilshere's Luton Town

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On paper, Johnston looks like an excellent piece of business by Luton, particularly given the level of competition they reportedly faced for his signature. Beating Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport, Bradford, and Plymouth to secure the defender on a free transfer is a significant statement of intent from Jack Wilshere's side.

All four clubs are expected to be among the promotion contenders in League One during the 2026/27 campaign, making Johnston a highly sought-after addition. It's a real coup, given the defender arrives with plenty of experience, leadership qualities, and a proven track record at the level with Bolton and Wigan Athletic.

The lack of a transfer fee only enhances the value of the deal. Just as importantly, Luton have prevented any direct rivals from strengthening their own squads. For a club targeting a swift return to the Championship, acquiring one of the division's most in-demand free agents represents a genuine coup and an early win in the summer transfer market.

They were the favourites for promotion last term and should be up there again with more additions like this. It's a significant blow to teams like Wednesday, given the sheer volume of signings David Storch, Arise, and co. are going to need this summer as they rebuild in the third tier.