Bolton Wanderers Target Australian International

Bolton Wanderers have opened talks with St. Mirren regarding midfielder Keanu Baccus, as reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider.

Baccus will be entering the final year of his contract with the SPFL side, and a move to England could be on the cards, with Bolton looking to be favourites to sign the talented midfielder.

The 25-year-old made 36 appearances for St. Mirren last season, and was a key part of a strong midfield which helped elevate the Saints to a sixth place finish, their highest since 1985. Baccus not only shone for his club last year but also his country, Australia, who he represented at the World Cup. Appearing in each of the three group games as well as starting the round of 16 loss to eventual winner Argentina, marked a successful World Cup for both Baccus and Australia.

The Australian’s stock has certainly risen having impressed on the world’s biggest stage and he will be highly sought after this summer. Although St. Mirren will want to hold onto the midfielder, it could prove very hard given he only has 12 months left on his contract. Bolton seem to be interested, and Baccus would be a big name to bring into the middle of the park and with the Wanderers striving for promotion next season this would be a huge signing.

Who is Keanu Baccus?

Baccus has spent the majority of his career playing in his native country of Australia, but did make the switch to Scottish football when joining St. Mirren in 2022. The midfielder made 106 appearances for A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers as well as appearing for the Australian under-23s. He has now been capped six times for the senior side and after impressing at the World Cup, there will certainly be more to come. Usually deployed as a holding midfielder, one of Baccus’ greatest assets is his ability to read the game. He frequently intercepts and breaks up play and also averaged 2.4 tackles per game last season, one of the higher numbers in the SPFL for midfielders. A move to English football could bring out even more in the Australian.

What would he bring to Bolton?

Although Baccus has no experience of playing in England as of yet, he would certainly be a big signing. Having already showcased his talent at the World Cup, Bolton would certainly have a player on their hands if the deal was to go through. As mentioned, his defensive awareness is a real strength, and that will greatly help Bolton’s midfield and defence for the forthcoming season. If Baccus does complete a move to the University of Bolton Stadium, then he would be an instant starter and potentially one of the best players in the league. Bolton will have high aspirations next season, and the signing of Baccus could bring those to life.

Writer’s view

If Bolton do pull this off, then they’ll be one of the favourites for automatic promotion next season. Baccus has real talent and adapted to leaving Australia very quickly when joining St. Mirren. If he can once again adapt quickly, then they’ll have a real player on their hands and should be challenging at the very top. It would be huge loss for St. Mirren, and they could be back nearer the bottom of the SPFL is he is to leave.

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