Wrexham are closing in on the signing of former Charlton Athletic captain George Dobson, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
The 26-year-old made the decision to depart The Valley at the end of his contract, opting to join Hungarian outfit Fehervar. However, he pulled out of the deal earlier this week for personal reasons, leaving him free to discuss other options.
Dobson joined the Addicks in 2021 after leaving Sunderland, going on to make 144 appearances for the club. Manager Nathan Jones had made it clear that his desire was to keep the midfielder at the club, telling South London Press in April:
“It would be disrespectful for me to say anything about Hungary but what we’re saying is he’s good enough for Charlton. That’s all we care about.
“He’s signed some pre-contract in Hungary. That’s the thing so we have no idea [what his future is]. We want George Dobson to stay, he’s been fantastic. We want to keep as many good players as we can and people who can affect a football game.”
Football League World revealed yesterday that Wrexham had emerged as the frontrunners to snatch his signature in what would be a significant signing for the League One newcomers. It now appears as if the deal is edging closer after Witcoop claimed that the Red Dragons look to have won the race.
Birmingham winger Juninho Bacuna is set to join Alex Pritchard at Turkish club Sivasspor after a deal was struck between the two clubs. Birmingham have looked at free agent George Dobson but Wrexham appear to have won the League One race for the midfielder. #bcfc #Wrexham
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) July 6, 2024
The Welsh outfit are gearing up for third tier football for the first time since 2005. Heavily backed under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, they are expected to spend big as they target a third successive promotion. However, they have made just two signings so far this summer, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo making his loan signing a permanent one and defender Lewis Brunt joining from Leicester City.
Writer’s View
Wrexham have been continuously linked with names that appear unattainable for League One, but George Dobson is a player that will add serious quality to their squad. With over 250 appearances in League One, there are few with as much experience in the division as he has.
This is a big blow for Charlton, who were desperate to retain the services of their former captain. There were several conversations between the two parties that took place to try and convince him to extend his stay, but they ultimately proved for nought. Few would have begrudged him a move to the continent to try his luck with a club who will play European football next season, but it will feel like a huge kick in the teeth to see him move to a club who could be a direct rival next season.
