Bolton Wanderers face European competition to keep hold of one of their rising stars this transfer window after his contract expired as advance talks are reportedly underway.
Bolton Wanderers are preparing for another year in League One, having missed out on promotion to the Championship after defeat to Oxford United in the play-off final at Wembley.
Ian Evatt’s side face increased competition this year, with the overall strength of the league arguably stronger, as more teams will be targeting promotion. The relegated trio of Birmingham City, Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town have all spent well to improve their squads with the aim of an immediate return to the second tier, whilst Wrexham and Stockport will be keen to continue their upwards trajectory.
The club, however, have been relatively quiet compared to their rivals, with just four additions, Luke Southwood, Scott Arfield, Chris Forino and Klaidi Lolos. However, their outgoings list has also been as quiet.
Who could be on the move?
Now, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, they could be set to lose rising talent, Wesley Frimpong, brother of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong to Austrian side LASK as advance talks are reportedly underway.
The 20-year-old defender struggled to force his way into the senior squad, despite progressing through the academy and has been part of the reserve side. The player’s contract ran out at Bolton this summer, and despite being offered a new contract, is yet to sign.
Due to his age and the fact that the club offered him a new contract the League One side will be due some form of compensation, whether that can be agreed between the parties or set by a tribunal remains to be seen.
The club have also been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Karamoko Dembele.
A loss for Bolton Wanderers?
You could argue both sides to this situation. Bolton are set to lose a player who could potentially progress to become a real asset to the side worth a significant sum. However, at 20 years old he has struggled to force his way into the first team and if the club can get a healthy sum of compensation for the move, it will likely be seen as a boost as it doesn’t impact the immediate first team.
For Frimpong you can understand his willingness to move, LASK could be seen as a decent step up and may offer him better opportunities to progress his career later down the line and potentially follow in his brother’s footsteps in Europe.