Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United eye ex-Leicester City player | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United are exploring deals to take 39-year-old Asmir Begovic on a free transfer

Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United are looking to continue their summer transfer business with the addition of a highly-experienced goalkeeper.

Bolton’s over seven-year absence from the Championship is finally over, and as head coach Steven Schumacher prepares his squad for a fight to avoid a relegation battle next season, fresh faces are needed in Greater Manchester.

The likes of Gaizka Larrazabal, David Watson, and Kyliane Dong have all already joined the club, but Schumacher has previously admitted his desire for more additions before the start of the season.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United have undergone major renovations under the watch of Chris Wilder, with as many as 13 players having already left the club this summer, either at the end of their contracts, end of their loan spells, or having been sold, including Danny Ings, Tyler Bindon, and Andre Brooks.

The Blades will be setting their sights on a place in the top eight next year, but first, they have their crosshairs on another option between the sticks, but face competition from Bolton.

Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United are exploring deals for experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic

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According to Darren Witcoop via X, both Bolton and Sheffield United are weighing up offers for free agent Asmir Begovic, following the 39-year-old’s release from Leicester City at the end of last season.

Begovic has spent nearly 20 years playing professionally in the United Kingdom for the likes of Portsmouth, Macclesfield, Bournemouth, Yeovil Town, Ipswich Town, Stoke City, Chelsea, Everton, Queen’s Park Rangers, and most recently, Leicester.

It would be with the Potters where he would thrust himself into the spotlight, making 173 appearances in North Staffordshire before sealing an £8 million move to Chelsea in the summer of 2015.

Since 2020, Begovic has spent time in the EFL with Bournemouth, QPR, and Leicester, as well as acting as a backup option in the Premier League with Everton.

He would battle Jakub Stolarczyk for a place between the sticks at the King Power Stadium last season, making 11 Championship appearances as the Foxes were relegated to League One, and now could be set for a return to the Championship.

Why Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United want Asmir Begovic

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With over 250 Premier League appearances and over a century in the Championship under his belt, the 63-capped former Bosnia and Herzegovina international is about as experienced as they come.

In all likelihood, the 39-year-old would only act as a backup option for either the Trotters or the Blades, but his experience and presence both on and off the pitch could prove to be invaluable.

Bolton are looking for another option between the sticks for other former Stoke keeper, Jack Bonham, with each of Nathan Broome, David Harrington, and Luke Hutchinson lacking the necessary experience at second-tier level.

Meanwhile at Bramall Lane, Wilder has both Michael Cooper and Adam Davies vying for a place in goal for the Blades, and with Ivo Grbic likely to leave the club this summer, a solid third option may be required, and Begovic fits the bill.

How have Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United supporters reacted to Asmir Begovic’s links?

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Following the news of their links to Begovic, both Bolton and Sheffield United supporters have taken to social media to provide their reactions to this update.

This Sheffield United supporter believes there is no reason to moan about Begovic's potential addition, given the fact he will more than likely be a third-choice keeper.

Bolton have a cohort of young goalkeepers in their squad, though whether any of them are ready to make the step up to the Championship remains to be seen, as Begovic's experience could prove highly beneficial for them.

Grbic spent last season on loan in the Turkish top flight with Fatih Karagumruk as a regular and highly impressing, so will almost certainly not be third-choice in South Yorkshire next season.

Whilst Begovic is not the most exciting addition, given his age and his recent history, there is no reason why he wouldn't be a huge asset to someone like Bolton in the Championship, even if he isn't first choice.