Scunthorpe United have made their first move in the summer market by bringing in Dubem Eze on a season-long loan from Bolton Wanderers.
The highly-rated midfielder links up with the newly-promoted National League side after impressing in stints with Chorley and Halifax.
Iron Strengthen Midfield Ahead of National League Return
The Iron’s preparations for life back in the National League have taken a step forward with the loan signing Eze. The 20-year-old joins from Bolton and brings with him experience from two tiers of non-league football, having previously featured for Chorley in the National League North and Halifax in the National League.
Eze began his career in the Chelsea youth system before moving to Norwich City, eventually joining Bolton in July 2024. While he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Trotters, he was a regular for their B Team, helping them lift the Lancashire Senior Cup this past season.
His time at Chorley saw him contribute three goals in 24 appearances, and although his spell at Halifax yielded fewer games, it provided vital exposure at a higher level. A composed and technically gifted midfielder, Eze has also pledged his international future to Nigeria.
Scunthorpe Ambition
The move sees the Iron building for a competitive return to the fifth tier after a dramatic end to their 2024/25 campaign. Scunthorpe secured promotion with a thrilling 2-1 win over Chester in the National League North play-off final, with Carlton Ubaezuonu netting the extra-time winner.
That victory ended a turbulent period for the Lincolnshire club, who were relegated from the National League in 2023 amid financial turmoil and a winding-up petition. Their climb back up the pyramid has been hard-fought, but there is renewed optimism surrounding the Attis Arena ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The addition of Eze adds much-needed depth and energy to the midfield as manager Jimmy Dean looks to shape a side capable of competing at the top end of the division. With fans still revelling in the club’s return to the National League, this signing represents a statement of intent.
Writer’s View
After battling back from near-collapse, Scunthorpe United are starting to look forward again. The signing of Dubem Eze is the sort of calculated, high-upside move that shows the club are thinking long-term as well as short-term.
Eze has already shown flashes of his potential and should benefit from regular minutes in a side on the up. For Scunthorpe, it’s another small but significant step in rebuilding a club that once reached the Championship – and now has ambitions of climbing once more.
