Bolton Wanderers in danger of losing key figure this summer

Bolton Wanderers may face the prospect of losing their key defender Ricardo Santos this summer, even if they achieve promotion to the Championship. As reported by James Nursey, the 28-year-old’s future with the club remains uncertain with the transfer market approaching.

Bolton’s fate for next season hinges on their performance in the League One play-off final against Oxford United on Saturday. A victory would secure their return to the Championship for the first time since 2019. Santos, who has been a pivotal player since joining from Barnet in 2020, might still depart despite the club’s promotion ambitions.

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, Santos has garnered significant interest from other clubs. Even though Bolton have relied heavily on his defensive prowess, featuring 34 times this season and contributing to their third-place finish, the club might consider selling him to avoid losing him for free in the future.

Bolton may attempt to negotiate a new contract with Santos, but the outcome of their crucial game against Oxford will significantly influence his decision. Promotion could enhance their chances of retaining him, yet it does not guarantee his commitment to stay with the Whites.

Santos has made 147 league appearances during his four-year stint at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. His departure would undeniably be a significant loss for Ian Evatt’s squad, regardless of the division they compete in next season. Securing his future should be a top priority for Bolton, as his influence on the team is invaluable.

Bolton were close to automatic promotion but fell short, finishing behind Derby County and Portsmouth. They earned their spot in the play-off final with a narrow 5-4 aggregate win over Barnsley. Now, they face a decisive match against Oxford, with promotion and the future of key players like Santos hanging in the balance.

Losing Santos would be a considerable setback for Bolton, underlining the importance of their upcoming game. Securing promotion would not only boost their bargaining power with Santos but also position them better against potential buyers. The pressure is on for Bolton to achieve a positive result this weekend, which could shape the future of their squad.