League One side Bolton Wanderers recently announced that they are set to release former club captain and promotion-winning defender Ricardo Santos after five seasons with the club.
Interest has begun to gather for the 29-year-old central defender’s signature, with reports from journalist Pete O’Rourke claiming Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, and Swansea City to be in the race, alongside several top-end League One sides.
“Decisions like these are always difficult, particularly with players like Geth and Rico who have given so much to Bolton Wanderers over the years.
“They were central figures in the promotion from League Two and the EFL Trophy success at Wembley and have conducted themselves with great professionalism throughout their time here.” said head coach Steven Schumacher amid Santos’ release.
Santos made 207 appearances for the Whites during his spell, having joined the club under Ian Evatt as a League Two outfit, he has captained the club on several occasions as they re-established themselves as a top-end League One side.
Championship Interest In Bolton Wanderers’ Ricardo Santos
As previously mentioned, Santos‘ release has alerted a number of clubs in the Championship and League One alike, with the source stating that Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea City and Derby have been quick to make enquiries.
While the League One sides interested are yet to be confirmed, it is no surprise to see that he has attracted suitors at this level given his previous pedigree.
Despite having a poor season with Bolton Wanderers, making only 25 appearances in League One as the club finished eighth in the division conceding 70 goals, the central defender is still 29 with a wealth of experience.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Santos earned numerous plaudits as Evatt’s side were unlucky not to win promotion to the Championship.
The Portuguese defender is not the only one on Bolton’s retained list to have attracted interest, with Football League World reporting Watford’s interest in Nathan Baxter.
A potential step up for Santos
With a number of Championship clubs attentive to Bolton Wanderers’ retained list, this would suggest that Steven Schumacher is taking a ruthless approach in rebuilding his side for next season.
While last season was not an ideal showing for the defender, his qualities aged 29 are ideal for a club aiming to challenge in League One.
Having captained at the top end of the division for a number of years, he has also established himself as a top defender for the level in the past.
Perhaps in the right team, the central defender could get back to the levels shown in previous years at Bolton Wanderers.
While the question as to which club Santos will end up with remains, it seems likely that the defender will remain at the top end of League One at minimum.
Wholesale changes at Bolton Wanderers
While Santos and Baxter look set to stay in and around Bolton Wanderers’ level upon release, Schumacher is showing little sympathy in the transfer window as it stands.
And it is no surprise following a disappointing campaign at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Schumacher looks set to be building a side in his image, and with previous promotion history in the division, the former Plymouth Argyle coach will know what it takes to take his side to the Championship.
In the pursuit of highly-sought after defender Sean Roughan as well as fending off Championship interest for non-league sensation Charlie Warren, extensive changes look to be taking place under Schumacher.