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…
Bolton Wanderers are understood to be interested in a deal for Salford City star Kelly N’Mai.
This week, Football League World exclusively disclosed that Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Preston North End had inquired about the availability of the versatile 21-year-old wide winger.
However, Football Insider has reported that Bolton are also interested in signing N’Mai, after their bid for the forward was rejected.
Salford manager Karl Robinson has stated that he believes the club should turn down offers of more than £1 million for N’Mai this summer, who is under contract at The Peninsula Stadium until June 2026.
“I’d be very surprised” – Claim made on Bolton Wanderers transfer pursuit of Salford City star Kelly N’Mai
We questioned our Bolton Wanderers fan pundit, Liam O’Meara: ‘Reports have stated that Bolton are interested in Salford winger/wing-back/striker Kelly N’mai, who scored nine goals and assisted five in League Two last season. At 21 years old, would this be a decent signing if Bolton can complete the deal? Karl Robinson stated that Salford should reject bids of £1 million; might this put Bolton off?
O’Meara stated, “He appears to fit the profile of the type of player that Steven Schumacher wants to bring into the club, in terms of playing style.”
“I’d be surprised if this didn’t happen.” It appears that there is a lot of commotion around it. Karl Robinson’s statements suggest that they have a figure in mind for what they want to sell for.
“In terms of the amount that Bolton are ready to pay, £1 million appears to be where he lands, and selling Aaron Collins for what appears to be roughly £800,000 plus add-ons indicates that Bolton want to reinforce sooner rather than later.
“So, should the £1 million sum put Bolton off? No. Not at 21 years old, and he appears to meet the exact profile we’re looking for. So let us do it.”
Kelly N’Mai could be a very wise investment by Bolton Wanderers
N’Mai, a former Manchester United youth product, is expected to be in great demand across the EFL this summer. He established himself as one of League Two’s brightest emerging players last season.
| N’Mai’s 24/25 League Two stats – per FotMob | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Chances created | Successful dribbles | Touches in opp. box | Avg. match rating |
| 32 | 9 | 5 | 32 | 71 | 170 | 7/10 |
The Dutchman can play in a variety of positions, ranging from left wing-back to centre-forward, and it is this versatility, combined with his performances and output, that makes him such an interesting potential.
Indeed, with Championship clubs reportedly sniffing around for his signing, the Salford City star is clearly regarded in high respect at the top of the EFL, which should give Bolton confidence that if they sign him this summer, he will land them a huge reward in the future.
Top young talents in the EFL are being transferred for significant money in today’s transfer market, and N’Mai appears to have all the potential to be one of them in the near future.
As a result, he would undoubtedly be a major coup for Bolton, considerably replenishing their attacking arsenal following Collins’ transfer to MK Dons.
Top young talents in the EFL are being sold for big money in the present day transfer climate, and N’Mai looks to have all the potential of being one of those in the near future.
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