Bolton’s Transfer Window: Eight New Additions But NOT Done Yet
The summer transfer window has been busy for the Wanderers; eight players have joined the club and four have left, but the transfer window is not over yet. Bolton are set to keep their options open in the last days of the transfer window, with Ian Evatt saying “We will remain fluid and see what happens in the remaining of the transfer window”.
In an interview with The Bolton News, Evatt said “There are one or two that we are keeping a very close eye on but at the moment they look just out of reach”. As well as incomings, the Bolton boss is also open to outgoings from the current squad, saying “We think there will be two or three exits, potentially”.
Who Could Still Leave Bolton?
Among these potential departures was Nathan Baxter, with links to the Championship and most strongly Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle. However, as per Pete O’Rourke, Wigan’s Sam Tickle has been approached by Argyle and another Championship club, meaning Baxter will likely stay with the Wanderers this season. This could open the door for Joel Coleman to leave the club on a permanent transfer as he will not want to remain a third-choice goalkeeper.
Taken from @OfficialBWFC on X
Another player who could be set for a late exit is Daniel Nlundulu; he has yet to see any minutes so far this season, and has only been on the bench against Leyton Orient. Nlundulu can only play as a central striker and Evatt’s change of system this season, from two to one centre forward, means he has to compete with Charles and Adeboyejo for just one position. His playing time will be very limited so a move away could be his best option.
Aaron Morley is another name that has seen speculation around his future, however he appears more likely to stay than both Coleman and Nlundulu. The Bolton Wanderers B team played their first game on Tuesday afternoon, and first-team players who haven’t started league games yet were involved, this includes: Southwood, Osei-Tutu, Forino, Matete, Dempsey, and Morley. The former Rochdale central midfielder’s inclusion could hint he is more likely to stay, but the final outcome is not clear just yet.
Taken from @AaronMorley27 on X
The Salary Cost Management Protocol
While Bolton are looking to remain active in the transfer window, the Salary Cost Management Protocol is something that needs to be considered before any more decisions are made. Similarly to Financial Fair Play, the SCMP is a regulation that allows League One clubs to spend a maximum of 60% of their turnover on “Player Related Expenditure”. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern but the Wanderers haven’t received a known transfer fee since the sale of Oladapo Afolayan to FC St. Pauli for €600k. MJ Williams was sold to MK Dons in June 2023, but with just one year left on his deal and dropping down a division, any fee would have been significantly smaller than €600k.
If Bolton do not get promoted this season, there is a possibility that they could break SCMP regulations and therefore receive a points deduction and be stuck in League One for the foreseeable. However, the new Sky Sports TV rights deal could be the reason Bolton feel free to spend this summer, with more guaranteed revenue coming in.