Bolton Wanderers Eye Championship Defender

According to Hull Live, League One side Bolton Wanderers are interested in Hull City defender Matty Jacob. 

The 24-year-old could be one of several Hull players who depart the club this summer to free up room for new manager Sergej Jakirovic to build his own side.

Although the Serbian hasn’t been confirmed as Ruben Selles’ replacement yet, strong reports are suggesting Jakirovic will take over at the MKM Stadium, as the Tigers look to push for Championship promotion after a shaky season last campaign.

With 24 players currently under contract, there is an expected exodus as City look to free up squad space.

League One Interest in Jacobs

One player who has already been linked with a move away is 24-year-old academy graduate Jacob, who has reported interest from League One outfit Bolton. However, Hull Live understands that the Trotters aren’t the only club interested in Jacob’s services, with at least two other clubs believed to be eying a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old made eight Championship appearances this season, scoring one goal, in a 3-0 away win at Sheffield United. He is contracted at the MKM Stadium until 2027, with the Tigers also having an option of a further year, after signing a contract extension last season.

The left-back, who can also play as a holding midfielder, has made 23 total appearances in all competitions in amber and black, and an additional 33 appearances in men’s football in the National League North for Gateshead, helping the Tynesiders to the league title back in the 2021/22 season.

Bolton Wanderers In Need of Defensive Reinforcements

Wanderers need some defensive reinforcements, with many leaving following the expiry of their contract. Notably, players such as Ricardo Santos, Gethin Jones and Luke Matheson have all departed the Toughsheet Community Stadium, leaving just one registered left-back in the squad in young Max Conway, who experienced a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra last season.

Hungarian international Szabolcs Schon can also play at left-back, however, the majoirty of games he has played this season have seen the 24-year-old play at left-wing.

This summer window is Steven Schumacher’s first transfer window in charge at Bolton, and he will be looking to add his own stamp on his side, who will no doubt be pushing for Championship promotion. With 18 players under contract, there will be room and budget to bring players in, with Jacob one of the options Bolton are apparently considering.

Writer’s View

For Jacob, he is at the point in his career where he will ideally want to play more first-team football, a thing which Bolton will be able to offer. With the 24-year-old expected to not be apart of Jakirovic’s plans, a move away might well be the best option for Jacob in order to move his own career forward.

If Hull want to move the player on in order to free up space in their squad, their asking price for the defender shouldn’t be too high, so a deal for both parties would be likely.

Abi Harding is a sports journalist and first-year sports journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire. She joined The Real EFL in the summer of 2024, primarily contributing to the predictions team. With experience at Severn Sport, The Midfield Press, and Gloucester City Women, she specialises in EFL, Non-League, and women’s football. Abi also manages a Cheltenham Town fan page with over 800 followers. Passionate about promoting the EFL and championing women in sports media, she aims to make football coverage more inclusive and engaging.

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