Bolton's Johnston Among Departures as Schumacher Reshapes Squad

The confetti had barely settled on Wembley when the clear-out began.

George Johnston, Bolton Wanderers’ longest-serving current player and the man who lifted the trophy on Sunday, will leave the club this summer after five years of service and 188 appearances.

The 27-year-old centre-back, who came through Liverpool’s academy before a spell at Feyenoord, captained Wanderers in their League One play-off final victory over Stockport at Wembley. Days later, his time at the club is over.

For a player who has ridden the full emotional spectrum with Bolton – from rebuilding years to the surge back into the Championship – it is a stark reminder of how quickly a promotion party can turn into a rebuild.

Captain departs, defence dismantled

Johnston is not alone. Right-back Jordi Osei-Tutu, another member of the starting XI at Wembley, is also heading out.

The 27-year-old, signed from German side Bochum in August 2024, made 80 appearances across his two-year stay. His departure, alongside Johnston’s, strips out both experience and continuity from a back line that just delivered promotion.

The decisions underline Steven Schumacher’s readiness to be ruthless as he prepares for the demands of the second tier.

Midfield options thinned out

Midfielder Kyle Dempsey, an unused substitute in the play-off final, has also been released. So too has Carlos Mendes Gomes, who spent the bulk of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Exeter City.

Both exits open up space in the middle of the pitch, an area that will need fresh legs and Championship nous if Bolton are to do more than just survive next season.

Loan brigade heads home

The scale of the summer task becomes even clearer when you look at the loan list.

• Johnny Kenny
• Rob Apter
• Ibrahim Cissoko
• Marcus Forss
• Corey Blackett-Taylor
• Mason Burstow
• Amario Cozier-Duberry

are all returning to their parent clubs. Each played a part in getting Wanderers over the line; all now leave gaps that need filling.

Schumacher is not just tweaking around the edges. He is effectively rebuilding half a squad on the back of a promotion.

Schon seals permanent move

There is another confirmed departure. Szabi Schon has completed a permanent move to Hungarian champions ETO FC Gyor after two years with Bolton.

The 25-year-old Hungary midfielder made 44 appearances for Wanderers and spent last season on loan at Gyor, who have now triggered the option to sign him. His exit removes another creative option from Schumacher’s arsenal.

A new Bolton for a new division

Promotion usually brings a bounce. For Bolton, it also brings a brutal reset.

A captain gone. A starting right-back gone. Key squad players released. A full cohort of loanees back to their parent clubs. One of their international midfielders permanently moved on.

Schumacher wanted a Championship club. He now has one in name – and a long summer ahead to build one in reality.