Wrexham sell defender to Championship rival

Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt has completed a permanent move to Bolton Wanderers.

The centre-back has joined the newly-promoted Championship side on a four-year deal.

AFP

Brunt departs the Racecourse Ground after two seasons with the Red Dragons.

The 25-year-old was part of the side which won promotion from League One in 2024/25 following his arrival from Leicester City.

He is now set to face Wrexham in the second-tier this season as a result of joining the Trotters.

Brunt made 41 appearances for his former club, including nine in the Championship last term, scoring once.

Wrexham finished their first campaign at the level for 43 years in seventh place, missing out on the play-offs by two points.

They have since completed the permanent signings of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, Crystal Palace full-back Danny Imray and former Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman ahead of the new season.

Brunt joins Bolton

Meanwhile, Bolton were promoted via the League One play-offs, ending their seven-year absence from the Championship.

Brunt becomes the club’s eighth summer signing and their second from Wrexham.

He follows striker Ryan Hardie, who has arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on a season-long loan.

Bolton have also added Luca Stephenson, Akin Famewo, Kyliane Dong, Gaizka Larrazabal, David Watson and Ben Davies to their ranks.

PA

Speaking to the club’s website, Brunt explained: “Stepping up from League One to the Championship is a big step up but if I can come into the building and try and help the lads and help the team then that’s what I’ll do.

“It’s going to be a challenge but it’s one I’m sure the group, the staff, the team are all looking forward to and hopefully we can make it a positive season.”

Bolton debut

Brunt was not involved in Wrexham’s Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough last Friday having been left out of the matchday squad.

He could now make his Bolton debut as early as this weekend with Steven Schumacher’s side returning to league action at home to Lancashire rivals Preston on Saturday. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 12.30pm, live on talkSPORT.

Brunt will have to wait until December 11 to face his former club, though, as Wrexham make the trip to Bolton.

The two sides then meet in north Wales for the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day.

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