Bolton Wanderers have secured the services of striker Sam Dalby, completing their first signing of the summer with a four-year deal for the Wrexham forward.
The 25-year-old arrives following a standout loan spell at Dundee United and was reportedly the subject of interest from multiple clubs including Preston North End, Blackpool, Oxford United and Wigan Athletic.
Blackpool and Wigan Beaten To Transfer
Dalby, who scored 13 goals in 18 appearances after joining Wrexham in 2022, becomes Bolton’s latest addition as they seek to strengthen their frontline. According to The Bolton News, both Wigan and Blackpool made approaches, while Deepdale sources suggest Preston monitored the situation but did not submit a formal bid.
Dalby’s career has seen him turn out for a string of clubs including Leyton Orient, Leeds United, Watford, Stockport County, and Southend United. His form at Wrexham and subsequent success in the Scottish Championship with Dundee United helped reignite interest in his talents, especially as several EFL sides seek to bolster attacking options ahead of pre-season.
His arrival marks a key moment for Bolton, who are hoping to go one better after narrowly missing out on promotion in recent campaigns. Dalby’s physical presence—standing at 6ft 3in—gives the Trotters a new dimension up top and a focal point for their attacking play under Ian Evatt.
While Blackpool may have missed out on Dalby, they too have thrown around big contracts this summer in a bid to strengthen. Centre-backs Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe have arrived on long-term deals—four and three years respectively—highlighting the club’s intent. Horsfall, 28, impressed with Stockport last season, making 36 appearances and contributing goals from set pieces. Ihiekwe, 32, brings experience and a proven track record at this level, including a League One promotion with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023.
Writer’s View
Bolton Wanderers have pulled off an impressive piece of early summer business with the signing of Sam Dalby. While not the most glamorous name, his numbers over the past two seasons speak for themselves, and he offers both aerial threat and technical maturity.
With League One shaping up to be fiercely competitive, a player with Dalby’s pedigree and potential upside could be a decisive addition. For Wigan, meanwhile, it’s another target off the board—and the longer their striker search continues, the greater the pressure heading into pre-season.
