St. Mirren and Australian international Keanu Baccus has opened up on why his move to Bolton Wanderers did not go through, when speaking to The Bolton News.
Keanu has featured in both of St. Mirren’s opening league fixtures; however, the Scottish Premiership club had initially agreed a fee of £250,000 with Bolton Wanderers earlier in the summer.
The Lancashire club were hoping to secure the midfielder’s services for the 2023-24 campaign but were hit with a stumbling block as personal terms were not agreed between the player and club.
Wanderers moved on, instead targeting West Brom’s Zac Ashworth who has signed on loan with a view to make the move permanent.
What has been said?
Keanu has recently opened up about his collapsed move south of the border, telling The Bolton News:
“I always want to do my best to progress and get towards that dream of mine to one day play in the EPL.
“There was a chance there to perhaps take another step in that direction (by joining Bolton) but it wasn’t meant to be in the end and it didn’t work out.
“There was a bit of personal reasons why it didn’t happen and I also spoke to my club here and it felt like there was a bit of unfinished business.
“The move didn’t really go too smoothly and I’ve learned from situations in the past when things go smoothly that’s where you’re meant to be and vice versa.
“Nothing against Bolton at all, but I’ve learned when a team really wants you they’ll do most things to make it happen.
“I was upset for a week but I’m over that now and I’m grateful to be at St Mirren and for the way the club have treated me.”
Ambition at Bolton This Season
Despite missing out on their target for personal reasons, Whites fans can be enthused by the ambition shown by the club to attempt to secure the international’s signature.
Finding themselves on the end of back to back relegations only three years ago, Sharon Brittan and Ian Evatt’s revolutions have seen the club improve year after year, an immediate return to the third tier being followed up by a top half finish, last year saw Evatt’s side reach the play-offs before being eliminated by Barnsley.
Bolton are now firm title favourites in the third tier, sitting top of the table after consecutive 3-0 wins in their two opening league fixtures. It will be interesting to see how far Bolton can go under their current regime, not just this season but long term.
Writer’s View
Lower league football sees moves collapse for a multitude of reasons, whether that be loyalty, family or location and this move is no exception. His reasoning behind the failed move is understandable, it is good to see that the international has played 90 minutes in St. Mirren’s first two league fixtures.
Bolton will have been disappointed to miss out on a long-term target; however, the ambition shown by the club to secure a player of Baccus’ quality will be appreciated by fans.
