Bolton Wanderers have agreed a deal to sign striker Max Dean from Belgian side Gent. The 22-year-old is scheduled for a medical at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, with the Championship club set to pay a seven-figure fee.
Dean's arrival comes as Steven Schumacher's side sit 11th in the Championship table with four points from their first three games. Their recent form reads LDW, having scored two goals and conceded two so far this season. They are five points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic.
Max Dean is a genuine penalty-box poacher who also works tirelessly out of possession. The striker scored 20 goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances for MK Dons before moving to Belgium. At Gent, he netted 20 times and added three assists across 56 games. He has proven experience in both England and Belgium, offering a valuable addition to Bolton's attack.
Football Insider said: "Bolton Wanderers have agreed a deal to sign Gent striker Max Dean, who is set for a medical with the club." The outlet also noted that "Bolton have beaten plenty of sides, including Millwall to secure his signature."
Dean could be the final piece in Bolton's new-look attacking unit. The club has already brought in four attackers this summer ahead of his arrival. Kyliane Dong and Samuel Iing-Junior joined on loan, while Jayden Nelson arrived as a big-money signing. Ryan Hardie is the only natural striker signed prior to this move. Dean's signing addresses a clear need for players capable of taking chances in the Championship.
The manager will hope Dean can get back on an upward trajectory after suffering an ACL injury. At 22, he has plenty of time and potential to improve. His profile as a hard-working poacher fits the demands of the second tier.
Max Dean could be the first of several signings on deadline day. Bolton have more business to complete before the summer transfer window closes next Tuesday. The club's activity suggests a push to strengthen their position in a competitive league. Their current standing and goal difference show room for improvement as the season develops.
One player currently sidelined is Rúben Rodrigues, whose absence shows the need for squad depth. The next test for Bolton is an away fixture against Millwall on September 5th. Millwall currently sit 7th in the table, making it a challenging encounter. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view the full fixtures list.
Bolton Wanderers have secured a massive pick-up in Max Dean, a striker with a proven goal record and the right attributes for the Championship fight. The medical is the next step in finalising the transfer ahead of the deadline.
