Football Transfer News: Lee Evans, George Johnston and More

Welcome to the latest instalment of Football Transfer News from Last Word on Football. Here, we bring you the latest news and transfer deals from across football.

Although the 2020/21 campaign has only just ended and pre-season for the next campaign is yet to get underway, squads are starting to take shape. Here are all of the completed deals from Friday, June 4.

Football Transfer News: Lee Evans Earns Ipswich Town Move, George Johnston Returns to England

Lee Evans Reunites With Former Manager

Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Evans has opted to reuniting with former manager Paul Cook by joining Ipswich Town.

Cook has been given free rein over transfers this summer, as the Blues’ boss looks to assemble a new-look squad capable of winning promotion.

✍️ Welcome to Town, Lee Evans!

👇 #itfc

— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) June 4, 2021

The battling midfielder was released by Wigan following the end of the season despite having played 24 times for the Latics last season. The 26-year-old made 80 appearances in total during his time at the DW Stadium.

After completing his move to Portman Road, Evans said to the club website: “This is a huge football club and it’s a massive honour to be here.

“It’s been a great day for me, signing for a club like this and I’m already looking forward to pre-season”

George Johnston Returns to England to Join Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers have made their second signing of the summer, confirming the arrival of central defender George Johnston.

Johnston began his career in the Liverpool academy before joining Dutch side Feyenoord for a reported six-figure sum in 2019.

However, his time in Holland lasted just 18 months, as after making four appearances for the Rotterdam-based side, Johnston joined Bolton’s Lancashire rivals Wigan on loan in January.

His performances while at the DW Stadium helped the Latics secure survival in League One, but he will now be plying his trade for the Trotters this season.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal and told the club website: “It feels great to have made the move.

“Being part of a massive club who are on the rise was something I was desperate to be involved with.”

Port Vale Make Summer Signing Number Two

Port Vale have made their second signing of the summer, confirming the arrival of Ben Garrity at Vale Park.

Garrity joins the club from now-Championship side Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, although he spent last season on loan with League Two rivals Oldham Athletic.

The 24-year-old made 38 appearances at Boundary Park last season, scoring four goals in all competitions.

According to Peter Smith of StokeonTrent Live, the midfielder could have stayed at Bloomfield Road, but has opted to return to League Two with Port Vale.

Speaking of his new signing, Darrell Clarke said: “Ben is a young, hungry and ambitious footballer who we are delighted to bring to Port Vale. He’s got great energy and fitness levels and I see him an attacking number 8 capable of the box-to-box role.”