Bolton Wanderers have been extremely busy in this summer’s transfer window, with the Trotters looking to rebuild and finally get themselves out of League One next season.
Senior players, including former captain Ricardo Santos, vice-captain Gethin Jones, and goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, left the club at the end of their contracts, while up to seven new players have already arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The two most recent arrivals, Thierry Gale for an undisclosed amount from Rapid Vienna and Amario Cozier-Duberry on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, are both wingers, which Bolton has never targeted in past transfer windows.
Ian Evatt stated his need for a ‘Plan B’ last summer, but Bolton made only minor changes, and his inability to adapt eventually led to his departure midway through last season, as one of the pre-season title favourites slipped to mid-table.
Steven Schumacher has expressed a desire to recruit in a new shape, and this is exactly what is occurring as the former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City manager has his way.
Bolton are finally identifying their weaknesses
Rather than simply collecting players in places where Bolton was already well-equipped due to the inflexibility of the three-at-the-back system, the Wanderers are now recognizing their weaknesses and filling them.
This summer, Schumacher’s side lacked true wingers due to Evatt and former Director of Football Chris Markham’s preference for wing-backs and number ten players.
Carlos Mendes Gomes and Szabolcs Schon can play in those positions, but they haven’t and haven’t under Evatt, whilst Cozier-Duberry and Gale have arrived to bolster the arrival of Charlie Warren from Felixstowe and Walton United around a month ago.
Schumacher shifted to a 4-2-3-1 style for much of the second half of last year, but it failed because he couldn’t deploy the players he had available.
Now, as he prepares to take his side to Marbella for their first pre-season friendly of the summer against South African powerhouse the Orlando Pirates, Schumacher is assembling a team capable of playing the manner he wants.
Schumacher is getting his way
Schumacher had warned fans that there might not be a huge clearout and rejuvenation of the squad because so many players are under contract for the season.
However, he has been able to deal with Aaron Collins, the top scorer last season, who has moved to Milton Keynes Dons, and Luke Southwood, who has joined Bristol Rovers.
The departures are expected to continue, with club captain George Thomason reportedly connected with a transfer to Huddersfield Town.
A move for Norrkoping midfielder Jesper Ceesay appears to be progressing, while a backup goalkeeper to replace Southwood is sought, and former Wigan Athletic player Jamie Jones is on trial.
According to The Bolton News, Wanderers want to add a striker after having a bid rejected by Celtic for Johnny Kenny, as well as a left-back, which would be the first time an actual left-back has arrived in nearly half a decade.
| Bolton Wanderers’ summer 2025 incomings so far | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | From | Type |
| Sam Dalby | Wrexham | Free transfer |
| Xavier Simons | Hull City | Undisclosed fee |
| Charlie Warren | Felixstowe and Walton United | Free transfer |
| Richard Taylor | Saint Mirren | Free transfer |
| Teddy Sharman-Lowe | Chelsea | Loan |
| Thierry Gale | Rapid Vienna | Undisclosed fee |
| Amario Cozier-Duberry | Brighton and Hove Albion | Loan |
Last season ended poorly for Bolton, but there were mitigating variables, the most significant of which being the squad’s poor construction.
The roster is finally starting to seem like it makes sense again, at least on paper, and it should delight Bolton fans that Schumacher is getting his way and making the adjustments he wanted to make.
Read more news on:https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
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