Bolton Wanderers have been linked with a summer swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Louie Moulden upon the expiry of his contract, as reported by journalist Alan Nixon.
The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons out on loan and has recently returned to Molineux following the conclusion of his stint with Northampton Town but now faces an uncertain future at the Premier League side.
How did Moulden fair last season?
Initially, Moulden spent the first half of the season with National League side Rochdale in what was his first taste of fifth-tier football since his stint at Solihull Moors in the season prior.
In total, the shot-stopper made 28 league appearances at Spotland, keeping six clean sheets and making an average of 3.3 saves per 90 minutes. He also managed four league assists for Rochdale and left as a popular figure amongst the club’s supporters.
He was recalled to join Northampton Town in League One where he made an additional 12 appearances whilst competing with Lee Burge. Moulden kept two clean sheets for the Cobblers and averaged 2.8 saves per match.
Competition for Baxter
Following Bolton’s play-off final defeat against Oxford United, Alan Nixon has confirmed that Nathan Baxter is one of Bolton’s first-team players who will be staying with the football club.
However, Moulden is being lined up on a free transfer to join Ian Evatt’s side and provide direct competition for Baxter next season as the club targets promotion back to the Championship after missing out twice via the play-offs in consecutive campaigns.
Is this the right move for Moulden?
Although the 22-year-old has experienced first-team football with Ebbsfleet United, Solihull Moors, Rochdale and Northampton Town, he is still inexperienced when it comes to playing in the EFL, suggesting that he needs a move that will allow him to develop and compete at the same time.
Nathan Baxter has more first-team experience but followed a similar career path when he opted to leave Chelsea in search of a new permanent home. Having two goalkeepers with similar backgrounds competing against each other, could be a major advantage for Bolton heading into next season.
Both keepers should be able to learn directly from each other and use their experiences to benefit the team positively and help the club as a whole, push for promotion once again next season.