BWFC 24

Bolton Wanderers Transfer Summary (Part 1)

Bye Bye

Out go Matt Jansen, Khalilou Fadiga, Oscar Perez and of course the three players who made a memorable contribution to The Wanderers success, Jay Jay Okocha (who might end up playing in the UK afterall the rumours about a move to Qatar), Hidetoshi Nakata whose loan deal ran out and without a new deal from Allardyce retired from football and finally, Bruno N’Gotty who Bolton should have tried to keep (now he’s at Birmingham City).

New Deal

Ivan Campo stays after probable compromise with Big Sam. Ivan, who now plays in midfield rather than defence, signed a two year deal on the day his old contract ended.

New Signings

Idal Tal of Israel has joined The Trotters, a deal was helped along by Big Sam’s son, Craig. Midfielder, Idal left Israel’s successful Maccabi Haifa and joined the rest of the squad for some intense training in Switzerland.

Dietmar Hamann – oh no we haven’t signed him have we.

Possible Signings

Andranik Teymourian who impressed Sam Allardyce during The World Cup in Germany where he played for Iran. The midfielder from Iranian club Abo Moslem has had a trial with The Wanderers. No news about signing him yet though.

Apparently a £1m bid was placed for Argentine Leandro Gioda, but there has been no further news on the centre-back.

Another World Cup favourite, Abdoulaye Meite of the Ivory Coast has been tracked by Bolton for some time. Previous attempts, including those as recent as January this year, have failed. Could Bolton get lucky this time and finally catch this impressive defender?

Martin Cesar is another player who has been linked with Bolton in the recent past. In fact Cesar may be one of the two Spanish players that are reported to be on trial with The Wanderers.

The world Cup has a lot to answer for. Next hopeful signing is Sulley Muntari of Ghana, who played wonderfully in midfield during the Cup, has resulted in a lot of interest in the player. Bolton’s boss Allardyce looks the most likely to sign the Black Stars star after Harry Redknapp stated his interest but thought that the signing fee may be too high. Bolton are reported to have made a bid of £7 million.

Another African midfielder, Esrom Nyandoro, has also been reported to be on the move to The Reebok.

Javier Saviola of Argentina is probably the biggest name to be currently linked to The Wanderers but at £8m+ could prove to be out of Allardyce’s reach.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Garra Dembele and Nicolas Anelka are the subject of further rumours linking them to Bolton Wanderers, but Jimmy has signed with Charlton.

Garra Dembele, currently with Auxerre, had been approached by Newcastle and indeed had a trial at St James’ Park but as yet no offer of a contract has been made and is now on trial with Barnsley!

Added to the possibilities more recently in France’s Sidney Govou who is currently with Lyon. This is a likely signing as £3.5 million is within budget and would allow Sam to make a move for other players. However Bolton will be up again Manchester City again to get the striker’s signature, and Middlesborough has shown an interest too.

Australian Mark Viduka is up for grabs following Gareth Southgate’s reorganisation of Middlesborough and would possibly make Sam’s shopping list as a last minute alternative when Bolton fail to attract the bigger names to the club.

In conclusion Bolton Wanderers Football Club have renewed one contract, signed one new player and lost six. At the moment it is not looking too good so far but at least there is time left. Personally I would like to see Muntari join, but that would not leave much dosh in the bank for the much needed super striker (unless Borgetti and Vaz Té are given more games) and a defender or two (Meite and Gioda could prove useful).