Crewe Alexandra have completed their first signing of 2026, with a player of the same position departing the club.

Alfie Pond has joined The Railwaymen on loan from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old centre back joins Crewe after James Golding was recalled from his loan spell by Oxford United after making 15 appearances.

Pond, who stands six-foot-three, has made six first-team appearances for Wolves and enjoyed a loan spell at Stockport County in EFL League Two in 2023/24.

James Golding, 21, was recalled from his loan spell by Oxford United after making 15 appearance for Crewe (Photo: Crewe Alex).

The defender first came through the ranks at Exeter City, before Wolves paid an undisclosed fee for his signature in 2022 while on loan at Yeovil Town.

Pond goes straight into Lee Bell's first-team squad for Harrogate on January 10, as Golding, 21, who sustained an injury in Crewe's 2-1 defeat at Cambridge United on 29 November, will continue his rehab with his parent club.

Crewe Alexandra said: "Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to welcome Alfie and wish him luck for the rest of the season."

Nub News understands Crewe are hopeful of making more signings this January transfer window.

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