Boreham Wood announced on July 7 2026 that midfielder Oluwaseun Ilesanmi will exit the club after ten seasons, a move that comes as the team sit fourth in the National League with 90 points from 46 games. Ilesanmi, 30, has been a fixture in the side’s midfield since 2016, featuring in over 300 league matches and helping the club score 95 goals this season while conceding 58.

Why did Ilesanmi decide to leave?

The club’s statement said Ilesanmi is seeking a new challenge after a decade of service, citing personal ambition and the desire to experience a different football environment. Sources close to the player mentioned that a short‑term contract offer from a League Two side was on the table, but nothing was finalised at the time of writing. Manager Luke Garratt praised Ilesanmi’s professionalism, noting his influence on younger squad members and his role in the recent unbeaten run of three wins and two draws, the latest being a 2‑2 draw with Rochdale on May 10 2026.

How does his exit affect Boreham Wood’s title push?

With the club currently 18 points behind leaders York, losing a player of Ilesanmi’s experience could tighten the midfield options. However, Garratt believes the squad’s depth – highlighted by the recent form of James O'Connor and Mikael Tavares – will cushion the blow. The team’s recent record of 27 wins, nine draws and ten losses shows they can still grind out points, and the unbeaten streak in the last five matches (DDWWW) suggests resilience.

Who could replace him?

Rumours swirl around a possible loan signing from a Championship academy, with Harvey Finch named as a candidate. Finch, a 21‑year‑old central midfielder, has impressed during his under‑23 spell and could provide the energy needed for the final push. Alternatively, the club might promote Tommy Reed from the reserves, who has already featured in three senior games this season.

What’s next for Ilesanmi?

Ilesanmi is expected to discuss terms with interested clubs over the next two weeks. His agent, Samuel Adeyemi, confirmed that the midfielder is keeping options open, including a possible return to his hometown club in Nigeria after the season ends. Whatever the outcome, his departure marks the end of an era for a player who helped Boreham Wood achieve a solid fourth‑place finish, scoring 95 goals and maintaining a +37 goal difference.

Boreham Wood will face AFC Fylde in their next league fixture on July 13 2026, hoping to keep the momentum alive while the board finalises Ilesanmi’s replacement.