Bolton Wanderers Sign Gaizka Larrazabal on Free Transfer

Bolton Wanderers have made versatile wide man Gaizka Larrazabal their sixth signing of the summer ahead of their return to the Championship. The 28-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Portuguese club Casa Pia.

What happened?

Larrazabal has been playing as a right wing-back in recent seasons but can also play as an out-and-out winger. He has penned a two-year deal at the Toughsheet Stadium, subject to international clearance. The new signing chipped in with five goals and four assists in the Primeira Liga last term in a team that was battling relegation.

Why it matters for Bolton Wanderers

Bolton have managed to secure his signature as they aim to build on last season's promotion from League One. It is another example of the club's strategy to broaden its reach into overseas markets as they compete against the big budgets of the Championship. Wanderers appointed Laurent D'Afnay as their head of European scouting over the summer and Kyliane Dong signed on loan from Augsburg earlier this month.

What comes next?

Bolton's current right-back options include Luca Stephenson, who signed from Liverpool, and Cyrus Christie. Charlie Warren started on the right wing at Oldham on Tuesday night and John McAtee can also play out wide, but it is an area where the Whites have been light since Amario Cozier-Duberry's return to Brighton. Larrazabal is excited to join the club and has expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.

Larrazabal told the club site, "It's such a historical team, with great players who played here before, like Fernando Hierro, Nicolás Anelka and Jay-Jay Okocha. It's a big team with a big history and it was quite easy to take the decision." He added, "I think I'm a player with high speed, strength and good crossing. I'm always going up and down the field, with a lot of energy and power."

Bolton Wanderers' Current Form

Bolton Wanderers are currently 5th in League One, with 75 points from 46 games, and have scored 70 goals this season, conceding 52. They are 28 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race.

The new signing is looking to make an impact at the club and has expressed his commitment to giving everything for the team. He said, "I'm going to give everything for this shirt, for you guys. I'm really excited and you're going to see that out on the field."

With Larrazabal on board, Bolton Wanderers are looking to strengthen their squad and make a push for the Championship title. The signing is a significant boost for the club and will be hoping to make an immediate impact.