Xavier Simons has completed a permanent transfer from Hull City to League One side Bolton Wanderers, bringing an end to his two-year stay at the MKM Stadium.
The move marks the latest reshuffle in East Yorkshire as new head coach Sergej Jakirovic oversees a summer overhaul, with the Championship club looking to streamline the squad and balance the wage structure ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Simons originally joined Hull on loan from Chelsea in 2022 before former boss Liam Rosenior made the move permanent the following summer. Despite showing early promise and scoring in back-to-back matches against Burnley and Derby County, his influence waned following the departure of Tim Walter and the arrival of Ruben Selles, under whom he featured just four times before being loaned to Wycombe Wanderers in January.
During that stint at Adams Park, the midfielder made 16 appearances as Wycombe pushed for promotion, ultimately falling short in the play-offs.
Hull Recoup Fee as Bolton Beat Rivals to Deal
The Trotters have reportedly paid around £500,000 for Simons’ services, with Hull City believed to have inserted a sell-on clause into the deal as part of the agreement.
The 22-year-old had attracted interest from multiple clubs this summer, including a serious approach from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, but opted to remain in England and join Bolton’s promotion bid under Ian Evatt.
Simons leaves Hull having made 38 appearances and scoring two goals during his time with the Tigers. A product of Chelsea’s academy, he never featured for the Blues’ first team but gained valuable experience during loan spells at Fleetwood Town and Wycombe prior to his move to the MKM Stadium.
The sale comes as part of a broader restructuring under Jakirovic, who was appointed earlier this month following the dismissal of Ruben Selles. More departures are expected, with left-back Matty Jacob also attracting attention and likely to exit in the coming days.
Writer’s View
Xavier Simons’ exit is a logical move for both player and club. After falling out of favour last season, a fresh start at a club with clear upward momentum like Bolton makes sense for a 22-year-old still looking to properly establish himself in senior football. From Hull’s perspective, the £500,000 fee represents smart business, particularly with a sell-on clause included.
With Jakirovic now steering the ship, fringe players like Simons were always likely to be moved on, and this deal frees up space in the squad as the Tigers reshape for the challenges ahead. It may not be the most headline-grabbing transfer of the window, but it’s a tidy piece of business all round.
