Watford are set to offer former Chelsea youth goalkeeper Nathan Baxter a route back into the Championship following his release from Bolton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old is being lined up as a back-up to newly-appointed first-choice stopper Egil Selvik ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Watford Target Former Chelsea Keeper Baxter After Bolton Exit
Baxter, who began his career at Chelsea and spent time in the Championship with Hull City, is viewed as a reliable and proven option to support Selvik following his arrival as Watford’s new number one.
The Hornets are rebuilding after finishing 14th in the Championship, 11 points outside the play-off places. Pezzolano, appointed earlier this week following the departure of Tom Cleverley, is expected to overhaul the squad as he seeks a stronger campaign.
Baxter’s time at Bolton ended quietly after an inconsistent season in which he lost his place to Luke Southwood. While he made 29 appearances in all competitions, his form dipped compared to his debut campaign, where he kept 14 clean sheets. This past season, that figure dropped to just six in 26 league starts.
Despite those setbacks, his previous spells at Hull — where he featured prominently across two Championship seasons — remain a strong reference point. Injury cut short both stints, but his shot-stopping and positional awareness were widely praised.
Turned down European football
Baxter initially turned down a chance to play in Europe with Maccabi Haifa in favour of joining Bolton permanently in 2023, following the departure of James Trafford. That decision underlined his desire to establish himself in English football, something Watford could now capitalise on.
His save percentage dropped from 73.2% in 2023–24 to 61.4% last season, although Bolton’s defensive struggles contributed to that decline. The Whites conceded 70 goals across all competitions and ultimately missed out on promotion.
Writer’s View
For Watford, the potential signing of Nathan Baxter is both pragmatic and forward-thinking. While not expected to be the starter, Baxter offers Championship pedigree and dependable cover in a high-pressure position. His experience, especially with Hull, proves he can operate at this level, and working alongside Selvik could help revitalise his career.
Pezzolano’s first moves in the transfer market suggest a smart, balanced approach—adding a player like Baxter bolsters depth without disrupting budget or ambition. If Watford are serious about contending next season, securing proven squad players like Baxter is a step in the right direction.
