Huddersfield Town are planning a move for Carlisle United defender Terell Thomas, as the Cumbrian side’s relegation to the National League was recently confirmed.
The West Yorkshire side currently sit tenth in League One, a disappointing campaign amid their relegation from the Championship last season.Â
A run of five straight defeats has seen any remaining playoff hopes fade, with Huddersfield Town now set to compete in the third tier next year.
With their place in League One now confirmed, planning for the 2025-26 campaign is now underway, with several key decisions up in the air at the club.Â
Reports from Football League World have stated the Terriers to be keen on a move for Carlisle United’s Terrel Thomas, who is still under contract at Brunton Park for another year.
What would Thomas bring to the John Smith’s Stadium?
Immediately, Thomas would bring experience at the level, amassing 144 League One appearances for the likes of Charlton Athletic, AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra, and Wigan Athletic.
Thomas moved to Carlisle from Charlton last summer, following The Cumbrians’ relegation to League Two, on a contract that expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, meaning any move for the defender would require a fee.
Appearing 31 times for Carlisle United this season, Thomas has formed part of a leaky Cumbrians defence that has conceded the third most goals in the division this season.
Following Saturday’s relegation at the hands of Cheltenham Town, the defender expressed his belief in the club’s long-term future:
“I still believe in the long-term of the club,
“so for me, yeah, it’s a minor setback, but look at some football stories, sometimes it helps in the longer run,Â
“We’ve got people who want to win and we’ve got people upstairs who want a winning club and I feel that they’ll do whatever they need to get it,
“So I still believe in the club and I believe like I see the fans do as well – I love the effort!
“They’re probably some of the best fans that I’ve played in front of, home and away, because any away day is far, so kudos to everyone who travels”
Not an ideal season for Huddersfield Town
Returning to League One after a twelve-year absence, Huddersfield Town have flattered to deceive this season with the side currently sitting tenth in the division.
Being part of the promotion-chasing pack for the first half of the campaign, the ambitious January acquisitions of Joe Taylor and Dion Charles had many back the Terriers for an instant return to Championship football.
Unfortunately, dismal form in the second half of the campaign has seen Huddersfield’s promotion hopes falter.
Having parted ways with manager Michael Duff in March, Jon Worthington has seen out the rest of the campaign as interim.
Losing their last five league fixtures, Huddersfield are bracing for another season in League One with decisions over a permanent manager and the playing squad crucial in the coming months.
What next for Terell Thomas and Huddersfield?
A recent relegation from League Two may be alarming to Huddersfield Town fans; however, the 29-year-old has previously established himself at the level.
With the central defender’s CV establishing himself well above National League level, an offer to return to League One with the Terriers could be tempting.
Additionally, it would come as no surprise to see the West Yorkshire club in the market for defensive additions this summer, with the likes of Matty Pearson, Tom Lees, and Josh Ruffels out of contract in June.
While outgoings in defence are expected this window, an early move for Thomas could settle nerves surrounding the state of the squad going into pre-season
However, a move would not be guaranteed, with the defender still set to be under contract at Brunton Park for the 2025-26 season.
