Bolton Wanderers are close to agreeing a deal for KAA Gent striker Max Dean, who looks set for an immediate medical.
The 22-year-old has been exiled in Belgium and is seeking an immediate return to England.
An Exciting Prospect
Dean came through at Leeds United before making the move to Milton Keynes Dons in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee. He settled quickly, scoring his first senior goal soon after and then hitting a fine run of form later in the season, which saw him finish as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions.
He then joined Gent in July 2024 on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Dean made an immediate impact in Europe, scoring and assisting on his debut, and he has continued to chip in with goals when given a regular run in the side. However, last season proved to be Dean’s Belgian for Dean, who only managed to muster two appearances for Jong Gent across 2025.
Dean also made four appearances for England U20’s in 2024, scoring on his debut in a 2–1 win over Italy before adding another goal in a 3–0 win over the Czech Republic later that week.
Now, as per Alan Nixon’s Patreon, Bolton Wanderers look set to offer the exiled 22-year-old an ultimatum as he looks to rebuild his career in England.
Wanderers On The Up
Last season proved to be successful for Bolton Wanderers, who finished fifth in League One on 75 points, 16 behind second-place Cardiff City and 28 points behind title winners Lincoln City. Wanderers eventually overcame Stockport County 4-1 at Wembley Stadium in May.
Although the play-off race was tight for much of the season, Bolton were well behind the top two. Steven Schumacher once again showed why he is so highly thought of, with the former Plymouth Argyle title-winning manager securing his second promotion to the Championship.
Making The Difference
This season will be a huge step up for Wanderers, who re-enter the Championship for the first time since 2019, with a string of impressive signings so far, including the experienced Ben Davies, Akin Famewo, who brings Championship experience, and prospects like David Watson hoping to make a breakthrough this campaign.
So far, Bolton lost 1-0 away at Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup, showing that progress is still needed going into their first home game on Saturday against Preston North End. The immediate arrival of Dean will be key, as there will be hopes he can reignite the form he showed at MK Dons, where he was one of the EFL’s most exciting forwards.
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