Former Norwich City defender Charlie Wilson has signed for Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier. The 21-year-old centre-back moves to the Welsh top flight after his contract with the Championship club expired this summer.
Wilson's departure comes as Norwich City sit 16th in the Championship table with three points from three games, having scored five goals and conceded six. They are six points behind leaders Charlton Athletic ahead of their next match against Stoke City.
Charlie Wilson is a 6ft 3in defender who developed at Everton's academy, making 30 appearances for their Under-18 side. He moved to Norwich City on a free transfer in 2023 and spent two years with the club. During that time, he was a regular for the Under-21s, making at least 59 appearances and scoring two goals. Wilson captained the side frequently and 52 of those outings came in Premier League 2. He also gained senior experience with a loan spell at National League North side King's Lynn Town in the 2023-24 season, where he played four times.
The move to Flint Town United offers Wilson a clear path to first-team football in a competitive league. The club, managed by Lee Fowler, is seeking its first win of the 2024-25 season. They recently earned their first point with a 1-1 draw against Penybont, where Tom Mehew scored for the visitors before Lassana Mendes equalised in the 89th minute. This result followed four consecutive defeats to Llandudno, Barry Town United, Cambrian United, and Briton Ferry Llansawel. Wilson could make his senior debut in a local derby against Connah's Quay Nomads on August 31, 2024.
Wilson has cited experienced defender Shane Duffy as a player he looks up to. "He’s a great player in my position; he’s experienced and played at that top level for a while." Wilson said. His ambition is clear. "I want to break into the first-team here, as I’m enjoying playing here so much."
Wilson's exit is part of the natural turnover in a club's development pathway. Norwich City's focus is now firmly on their Championship campaign, where they aim to improve on a start that has seen one win and two losses. The club's defensive options can be tracked on our squad page. With a goal difference of minus one, tightening up at the back will be important as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, starting with a trip to face 24th-placed Stoke City. For Wilson, the move to Wales represents a fresh start and a chance to establish himself in senior football.
