Bolton Wanderers are scouring the loan market for a new goalkeeper this summer, and Queens Park Rangers youngster Murphy Cooper has been discussed as a leading candidate.
The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign at Stevenage, gaining valuable League One experience after an earlier spell at Swindon Town was cut short by injury. With Joel Coleman and Nathan Baxter both released and only Luke Southwood contracted at senior level, the Trotters are once again turning to youth – and their previous success with Manchester City’s James Trafford only strengthens the appeal.
Cooper’s pedigree is quietly impressive. A product of the QPR academy, he joined the club in 2012 following spells with Caversham AFC and Wycombe Wanderers. After short-term loans in the National League South with Welling United and Bath City, he gained further experience with Stratford Town before stepping into the EFL with Swindon last season. Although his time at the County Ground was interrupted by a hamstring injury in December, Cooper bounced back with a season-long loan at Stevenage, where he clocked up valuable minutes in a competitive side.
His only senior appearance for QPR to date came in April 2022, deputising for the injured Kieren Westwood in a 2-1 defeat at Preston North End. That debut, coupled with solid League One displays, suggests he’s ready to step up as a regular number one.
Bolton Cast Wide Net as Goalkeeper Rebuild Begins
Cooper isn’t the only name under discussion at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Chelsea’s Teddy Sharman-Lowe is believed to be high on the club’s wishlist after a standout loan at Doncaster Rovers. However, the Blues are reportedly keen to place the England U20 international in the Championship, which may complicate matters.
Crystal Palace prospect Owen Goodman is another player of interest. The 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season on loan at AFC Wimbledon and is set to start in Sunday’s League Two play-off final. Speaking after Wimbledon’s semi-final triumph over Notts County, Goodman said:
“At the minute it’s my last game and I am going to enjoy it. I have enjoyed every moment here, loved every minute.”
Bolton’s strategy seems clear – land one of the top young keepers in the country on loan, just as they did with Trafford. The hope will be that the lure of regular League One football and the club’s promotion credentials can outweigh interest from elsewhere.
Writer’s View
Murphy Cooper feels like the most Bolton-like choice of the three names being tracked. He’s young, hungry, and comes with solid League One experience. If QPR are willing to let him leave again, he represents a credible option for a club that wants a dependable number one without paying a transfer fee.
