Romanian top-flight outfit FC Botoșani have made a surprise approach for Carlisle United defender Terell Thomas, The Lower Tiers understands. The 29-year-old centre-back could be on the move again just a year after signing for Carlisle, with the League Two strugglers seemingly eager to part ways as they seek to reset following a disastrous campaign that ended in relegation to the National League.
Terell Thomas made 32 appearances in the 2024/25 League Two season, but despite his consistent presence, Carlisle suffered a second successive relegation — a painful blow for a club that had ambitions of getting back into League One. Now, amid growing pressure from fans and an ownership group demanding cultural change, Thomas has been earmarked as one of several senior players who could be offloaded this summer.
Carlisle are aiming to break free from what insiders have described as a “deep-rooted losing mentality” that has plagued the squad. Despite only arriving last summer, Thomas’ exit would mark the start of a defensive rebuild under new management — and FC Botoșani appear poised to take advantage.
The Romanian club, who finished 14th in the SuperLiga last season, are actively scouting experienced defensive reinforcements to shore up their backline. Thomas’ profile — a tall, athletic, ball-playing defender with international experience — has made him a prime target.
Terell Thomas Career Path: From Arsenal Roots to International Recognition
Born in England, Terell Thomas began his youth career at Arsenal before signing his first professional contract with Charlton Athletic in June 2015. With limited first-team opportunities, he developed his game during two loan spells at Woking in the National League.
After being released by Charlton in 2017, Thomas joined Wigan Athletic but was loaned out again — this time to Sutton United — for the remainder of the 2017–18 season. The following summer, despite agreeing a new one-year deal with Wigan, he made a permanent move to AFC Wimbledon.
He debuted for the Dons in the EFL Trophy against former side Charlton and made his league debut shortly after. One of his standout moments came in October 2019 when he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Portsmouth.
In August 2021, Thomas signed for Crewe Alexandra. Despite a promising start, including 19 appearances, his contract was mutually terminated in January 2022.
A brief stint at Reading followed, and though he impressed during his trial, he was released at the end of the season. In September 2022, he returned to Charlton Athletic, signing a one-year deal and later extending it for the 2023–24 season. He departed the club in May 2024.
Internationally, Terell Thomas represents Saint Lucia. He earned his first call-up in June 2022 and scored his debut international goal in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Sint Maarten in November 2023. To date, he has earned 16 caps for the Caribbean nation.
What’s Next for Carlisle?
If Terell Thomas completes his move to Romania, Carlisle will be left with a void in central defence. The club currently have Morgan Feeney, Bevis Mugabi, and Aaron Hayden as centre-back options, but Thomas’ departure would necessitate further reinforcements in that area.
Given Carlisle’s reputation and relative pull in the National League, along with the financial boost from a potential transfer fee, it’s believed they would be able to source an adequate replacement this window. However, the pressure is on for the club to get recruitment right — fans have little patience left after enduring two consecutive relegations and a squad that, despite its experience, failed to deliver.
A move abroad for Terell Thomas would mark a new chapter in a career that has spanned both the English Football League and the international stage. For Carlisle, it could be the first step towards finally turning the page on a turbulent period in their history.
