Bolton Wanderers backed to 'consider' new Max Dean transfer action | OneFootball

The Trotters's summer pursuit of Dean collapsed

Bolton Wanderers have been told to be cautious about revisiting their interest in Max Dean when the January transfer window opens.

The Trotters had been pursuing Dean for much of the summer and appeared close to completing a deal for the former Leeds United academy player.

However, the proposed transfer ultimately collapsed.

That left Steven Schumacher without another attacking option as Bolton prepared for their return to the Championship.

With Dean remaining at Gent, the question now is whether Bolton should return for him in January.

Bolton Wanderers held Max Dean transfer interest

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Dean had emerged as a prominent target for Bolton during the summer after establishing himself as a prolific forward with MK Dons.

The striker scored 20 goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances for the League One club, earning a move to Gent in July 2024. He has since continued to find the net in Belgium, despite injury problems interrupting his progress.

His record and age made Dean an attractive proposition for Bolton, particularly given the number of attacking players who departed the club during the summer.

The Trotters were reportedly close to securing his signature, with reports even suggesting Dean had been due to undergo a medical at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

However, the disagreement over the sell-on clause proved decisive and the deal eventually fell apart.

That could leave the door open for Bolton to reconsider the player in a different window.

Bolton Wanderers should not rush into Max Dean deal

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Asked whether Bolton should renew their interest in Dean in January, in-house Wanderers expert Liam O’Meara told Football League World that the club should certainly consider the possibility, but warned against allowing their previous pursuit to dictate future recruitment.

“I mean, yeah, they should absolutely consider it, but ultimately, in three months' time, it's a completely different window with potential different possibilities,” O’Meara told FLW.

“So I don't think we should be rushing just to try and complete it because he was the one we were looking at in the summer.

“It is going to be a different time with different players available - so, take stock, do our work now.

“And try not be in a position where we're caught short in January because I do think we've been left short in the summer.”

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There is a clear argument for the Trotters revisiting Dean if he remains available and impresses at Gent.

The 22-year-old has already demonstrated that he can score consistently at League One level, while his experience in Belgium and at England youth level suggests there is further room for development.

However, Bolton cannot afford to approach January simply looking for a replacement for the player they failed to sign in the summer.

Their recruitment should instead be dictated by what Schumacher's squad actually needs after the opening months of the Championship campaign. If Dean fits those requirements, then a renewed move could make sense.

The bigger lesson is ensuring Bolton are not left scrambling for attacking reinforcements again.

Fresh investmments in the club could also make January an exciting window.