Bolton Wanderers told to consider John McAtee decision - there is one condition | OneFootball

FLW's Bolton Wanderers fan pundit has given his verdict on John McAtee's future ahead of January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

John McAtee’s future at Bolton Wanderers remains the subject of speculation after he failed to make a move to Barnsley late in the summer window.

The forward has made six appearances for the Whites so far this season, but only one of those came as a starter in Steven Schumacher’s side.

The 26-year-old is down the pecking order under the former Plymouth Argyle boss, with it being reported on deadline day that a move to the Tykes was on offer.

The loan bid did not materialise into a move, with time running out for all parties to complete the move.

But, given his lack of game time in the weeks since, perhaps the transfer will be revisited in the January market at the turn of the year.

Bolton Wanderers shouldn’t prioritise John McAtee exit

When asked if it’s a priority to let McAtee go in January, FLW’s Bolton fan pundit, Liam O’Meara, claimed that it shouldn’t take top billing for their potential winter business.

He believes that the 26-year-old still has a role in the squad in the case of injuries, especially to Marcus Forss, so they should only let him go if the offer is right, particularly with Barnsley being a possible play-off rival.

“It probably is a priority to get him out but, at the same time, the numbers have to be right. You can’t just give him away to someone who could potentially be a play-off rival,” O’Meara told Football League World.

“So, it is a priority, but should it be the number one priority? No.

“I think he’s probably ahead in the pecking order of Joe Randall. I think he got a real look in at the beginning of the season but didn’t really take his chance.

“So, if there was an injury to Forss, he does have the opportunity, I think, to have some game time.

“So, we absolutely should be looking to move on a player with some value or wage expectations like John McAtee.

“But, at the same time, we just can’t make our divisional rivals stronger if the terms aren’t right for Bolton Wanderers.”

Bolton Wanderers' promotion push

Bolton missed out on a play-off place last season, with Schumacher arriving as manager midway through the campaign. He will now be aiming to bridge that gap to the top six, with the club seeking a return to the Championship.

The Whites are currently eighth in the standings, having earned 17 points from their first 11 games of the campaign. Next up for Bolton is a trip to face Burton Albion on 11 October in a 3pm kick-off.

John McAtee could still have a role for Bolton - exit concerns are right to be raised

McAtee isn’t a guaranteed starter at Bolton by any means, but he has still earned playing time this year, and he may still have a role in Schumacher’s plans.

In that case, it should have to take a good offer for the club to offload him midway through the season.

The Whites might be better off giving the player the full campaign to see if he can force his way back into the side before opting to sell him in 2026.

A loan to a promotion rival in January may be hard to justify, especially with how the start of the season has gone for Bolton. As is made clear, if there is to be an exit, it has to be on terms that don't impact Bolton.