Watford FC Confirm Free Transfer Signing of Keeper Baxter
Watford FC has confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Luke Baxter on a free transfer, as reported by the Watford Observer. The 26-year-old moves to Vicarage Road from Bolton Wanderers, where his contract was due to expire on June 30 and manager Steve Schumacher decided to release him.
According to the Watford Observer, Baxter has been at Bolton Wanderers since the summer of 2023, leaving Chelsea after 17 years. During his time at the Trotters, he was Ian Evatt’s first-choice goalkeeper and was ever-present in League One when fit in his debut year. However, his second season at the club was more mixed, with Baxter being dropped by Evatt towards the end of his time in charge and only getting back into the starting 11 in March under Steven Schumacher.
The Watford Observer reports that Baxter began playing football with non-league side Cray Wanderers but joined Chelsea at the age of eight and progressed through their Academy ranks. He was part of the Chelsea team that won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League in 2015/16 and started to gain senior playing experience through a series of loan moves.
Baxter’s loan spells took him to Metropolitan Police, Solihull Moors, Woking, Yeovil Town, Ross County, Accrington Stanley, and Hull City. During his time at Yeovil Town, he set a new club record by keeping six consecutive clean sheets, not conceding a goal for more than 10 hours. At the end of his time with Yeovil, Baxter won five club awards, including Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.
The Watford Observer states that Baxter’s signing is the second confirmed arrival of the summer for Watford FC, following the capture of midfielder Hector Kyprianou from Peterborough United. The keeper’s experience and skills will undoubtedly be an asset to the team, and fans will be eager to see him in action.
As reported by the Watford Observer, Baxter’s career has been marked by several notable achievements, including his time at Chelsea and his loan spells at various clubs. With his signing, Watford FC will be hoping to build on their previous successes and make a strong push for promotion in the upcoming season. The club’s manager will be looking to integrate Baxter into the team and utilise his skills to achieve their goals.
Baxter’s background and career trajectory demonstrate his potential and capability as a goalkeeper. As noted by the Watford Observer, his signing is a significant addition to the Watford FC team and will likely have a positive impact on their performance in the upcoming season.
