Why Bolton Wanderers to Miss Out on Hull City Man as League One Rivals Agree Deal

Bolton Wanderers to Miss Out on Hull City Man as League One Rivals Agree Deal

 

Bolton Wanderers look set to be beaten to the signing of Hull City defender Matty Jacob, with League One rivals Reading closing in on a loan move for the young left-back.

 

According to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, Reading have reached an agreement with Hull City to bring the 23-year-old to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the 2025/26 season. The Royals have acted swiftly to secure Jacob’s services, leaving Bolton frustrated in their pursuit.

 

Matty Jacob, a product of Hull City’s academy system, has been with the club since the age of nine and is highly regarded within the Tigers’ setup. While he has yet to become a regular starter at Championship level, he impressed during a loan spell at League Two side Harrogate Town last season and is now considered ready for the step up to regular football in League One.

 

Hull City, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship last term—finishing level on points with Luton Town but surviving thanks to a superior goal difference—are looking to carefully manage the development of their younger players. A loan move for Jacob had been in the works for several weeks, with multiple clubs expressing interest.

 

Bolton Wanderers were among those keen to add Jacob to their defensive ranks. The Trotters are aiming to bounce back strongly after narrowly missing out on promotion in the play-offs last season. With left-back a key position identified for reinforcement, Jacob was seen as a suitable option to compete for a starting berth.

 

However, Reading’s proactive approach and early negotiations appear to have paid off. The Royals, themselves rebuilding after an inconsistent campaign, see Jacob as a player who can bring both defensive stability and attacking intent down the left flank. His pace, energy, and composure on the ball have made him an attractive option for clubs in the third tier.

 

Sources close to the player suggest Jacob is eager to play regular first-team football, and Reading’s promise of significant minutes was a decisive factor in his choice. With the agreement now reportedly in place, an official announcement is expected in the coming days once the final paperwork and medical are completed.

 

The news comes as a blow to Bolton, who must now turn their attention to alternative targets as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign. Manager Ian Evatt remains keen to add depth to his side, particularly in wide defensive areas, and the club is expected to remain active in the loan market throughout July.

 

For Hull City, the move gives Jacob a valuable opportunity to gain experience and return ready to challenge for a place in their first-team setup. With the Tigers hoping to improve on last season’s survival scrap, continued development of their academy prospects is seen as crucial.

 

As the transfer window gathers momentum, this deal signals Reading’s intent and highlights the fierce competition among League One clubs vying for promotion in what promises to be another highly competitive season.

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