This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Football League World exclusively disclosed that Bolton Wanderers had entered the fight for Sam Dalby’s signing, with the striker due to become a free agent after his contract with Wrexham expires at the end of June.
The 25-year-old, who is 6 feet 3 inches tall, scored 15 goals in 35 Scottish Premiership games for Dundee United this season and turned down a contract extension with his parent club.
| Sam Dalby’s 2024/2025 Scottish Premiership stats, as per FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Penalty goals | 3 |
| Chances created | 31 |
Bolton Wanderers backed to pursue Sam Dalby despite Wrexham struggles
Our Trotters Fan Pundit, Liam O’Meara, told FLW he strongly supports the club’s pursuit of Dalby, stating that the striker fits the profile Bolton sorely needs.
“It’s exactly the kind of profile player that we want – a big, strong number nine and his record for Dundee United is very encouraging, but it’s almost that type of position that you don’t necessarily purely based on goal contributions – they contribute in other ways, they take up defenders, they gage the ball, they allow you to get up the pitch,” explained O’Meara.
“For me, that is exactly the type of profile that we require. We don’t have another striker like that, especially with Adeboyejo’s injury until January.
“For me, it’s a winner. I’m not sure his record at Wrexham will endear him to fans who will only look at goal tallies, but I believe Bolton should look at some of the more influential, huge number nines they’ve had in the past and consider the player’s profile and how that benefits the squad as a whole.
“The kind of player we should be going for.”
Sam Dalby’s turn-around in Scotland provides encouragement
Dalby’s metamorphosis during his loan spell with Dundee United is undeniably impressive. The striker was voted the league’s Player of the Season in addition to scoring 15 goals.
His efforts were so impressive that he was named to the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, one of just two players selected outside of Celtic and Rangers.
Bolton will face heavy competition for Dalby’s signing, including Wigan Athletic – Blackpool boss Steve Bruce was reportedly noticed observing him during matches – and Dundee United, who are set to table a contract offer to keep him.
If Wanderers were to sign Dalby, it would fill an obvious void in their team for a big striker – someone who has demonstrated he can succeed at a higher level when given the chance.
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