Oldham Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Josh Lundstram from Altrincham for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old becomes David Unsworth’s first summer signing, agreeing a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Josh is a product of the famed Crewe Alexandra youth academy, and joined Altrincham in the summer of 2022.
Having played every minute of every league game for the Robins last season, he picked up the manager’s, players’ and fans’ player of the season awards.
David Unsworth was happy to get the deal over the line.
"Josh had a brilliant season and is a player we've been tracking probably since new year.
"In one of the early games we had there he was outstanding, he can play in a two in midfield, he can play in a three, he can play a holding midfielder, he gets on the ball and he's box to box. He's been schooled right coming from Crewe so he can handle the ball when he gets on the half-turn in midfield, which is what I like and what we've been looking for.
"He's what I would call a proper midfielder, he does all aspects of what I would like from midfield.
"And he's a great lad. I went to watch him a couple of times for Altrincham and to play for England C when he had a great game that night, along with Joe Nuttall.
"As midfielders go in this league and League Two he's right up there, and he's a brilliant age as well for us so it's the perfect signing."
After spending time out on loan with various local sides, Lundstram joined Altrincham on loan in 2020, helping them achieve promotion from the National League North via the play-offs.
The midfielder then made his league debut for Crewe at the start of the 2020/21 season, staking a claim at Gresty Road the following campaign, making 30 appearances in total.
He returned to Moss Lane last season, this time on a permanent basis, and was ever-present as Phil Parkinson’s side reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy.
Josh admitted that he couldn't turn down the opportunity to join a club like Latics.
"I've committed myself for two years and I can't want to get going.
"Obviously it's a massive club and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it.
"When I heard there was interest from such a big club I couldn't wait to get here and get a look at the place.
"I've played here a few times and I've seen how big the club is and how many fans they get and I've seen the atmosphere they create.
"I played here with Altrincham towards the back end of the season and we saw how difficult it was to play in front of that many fans, so being on the upside of that this season will be a great feeling.
"I've played in League One before and I want to get back to there and there's no reason why that can't be with Oldham."
Josh will wear squad number 8.
Welcome to Latics, Josh!