Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher says Aaron Collins’ expected transfer to MK Dons is ‘still ongoing’ following reports a fee has been agreed between the two clubs.
News emerged last week that the League Two outfit had set their sights on an ambitious swoop for the 28-year-old. The attacker only joined the Trotters in February 2024, with a fee of £750,000 being shelled out to Bristol Rovers.
Collins initially struggled with life at the Toughsheet Community Stadium but sprung into life last season. Despite Bolton’s inconsistencies, he hit 19 goals in all competitions and was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Although he is viewed as one of the most capable strikers in League One, MK Dons set their sights on the former Forest Green Rovers man. News emerged yesterday that a fee had been agreed ahead of a potential transfer.
Schumacher Issues Update
The Dons missed out on a play-off place in the fourth tier last season and opted to bring in Paul Warne to steer their next assault on promotion. It was seen as a coup, with the 52-year-old having been managing in the Championship with Derby County just a matter of months earlier.
They’ve already enjoyed a productive transfer window, bringing in four players including the talented Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and another former Bolton player in Gethin Jones.
Fee agreed with MK Dons for Aaron Collins, I hear. Looks like this is happening. https://t.co/HSn0mFVI7B #bwfc
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) June 16, 2025
Addressing the situation surrounding Collins’ future, Schumacher issued the following update:
“I can’t say too much on that right now, because obviously it’s stuff that’s still ongoing. Aaron Collins is obviously somebody that did well for us last year, someone we think he’s a good player.
“That’s kind of all I can say currently on that, because it’s not fair to speak about things that are not confirmed.”
Writer’s View
MK Dons clearly mean business next season but it’s still a bit of a shock that Aaron Collins would opt to leave a club expected to be challenging at the top end of League One next season to one that are in League Two. If Bolton have received a bid in excess of seven fighures, few can criticise them for accepting the offer, especially because it is probably the last chance they have to make a profit on their initial outlay. However, it is still a blow. They will now need to alter their transfer plans this summer and look to bring in someone who can at least match the attacker’s goals.
