The Bolton Wanderers players who may sign a pre-contract agreement away next month | OneFootball

FLW take a look at what players could depart Bolton on a pre-contract agreement.

Bolton Wanderers will be desperate for a promotion push in the second half of the season.

In comparison to last year, the Trotters have struggled to string together the same level of consistency, with victories often being followed by defeats or draws.

A defence that conceded 51 goals last term has been remarkably leaky this time around, forcing Ian Evatt's side to find more in the attacking third.

Despite this, Bolton's head coach has the quality within his squad to inspire a turnaround, so don't be surprised if Wanderers find themselves challenging for the top two come May.

However, this squad may be broken up next summer and with certain player's deals expiring in 2025, January will allow teams from abroad to enter pre-contract negotiations with these individuals.

With this in mind, Football League World have detailed the nine Bolton stars who can sign these agreements in the New Year.

Scott Arfield

Scott Arfield signed a one-year deal with Bolton back in July following the expiry of his contract at MLS side, Charlotte FC.

The 35-year-old has predominantly featured off the bench for Ian Evatt, and it would be a surprise to see him stay post this season. Therefore, clubs from abroad may see it as an opportunity to give him one final chance in professional football before he retires.

Gethin Jones

Gethin Jones recently returned from injury for Bolton, and they will be delighted as he has been a mainstay in the Trotters side since signing in 2020.

Bolton will likely want to extend his contract post-2025, but if the defender fancies an opportunity abroad, then January may see him enter contract negotiations with a different club. However, it would seem most likely that he remains in Lancashire under Evatt's stewardship.

Ricardo Santos

Bolton captain Ricardo Santos signed a three-year contract back in 2022 and that is due to expire in June 2025.

This could see clubs from abroad viewing him as a potential option, with the centre-back sure to have interest from his homeland of Portugal. However, Wanderers will be desperate to keep Santos, who has been superb since signing from Barnet in 2020.

Joel Coleman

Joel Coleman has been somewhat of a journey man in the EFL but has struggled to ever nail down a number one position. At Bolton, he is firmly behind Nathan Baxter and, with his contract expiring next summer, certain teams from abroad may want to make him an offer to become their starting goalkeeper.

Nathan Baxter

Coleman's counterpart, Baxter, has been at Bolton since he was released by Chelsea in 2023.

Across 57 appearances for the Trotters, he has managed 19 clean sheets, meaning he shuts out the opposition on average every three games. This will be sure to interest teams from abroad who could offer the 26-year-old a potential deal.

Randell Williams

Randell Williams struggled after his initial immersion at Exeter City but found a home at Bolton after moving from Hull City.

The 27-year-old's contract expires in 2025, and if Bolton can't secure a new deal for the winger, he could move on due to a pre-contract agreement.

Josh Dacres-Cogley

The right-wing back has accrued 79 appearances already since moving from Tranmere Rovers in 2023. However, approaching the final six months of his Wanderers deal, should a decent team from abroad look to sign him, Bolton could be in trouble.

It is imperative they offer him a new contract then, as he has shown enough to suggest he can be a star for years to come.

Luke Matheson

Luke Matheson arrived at Bolton in 2023 with high hopes, having thoroughly impressed during the early stages of his career at Rochdale.

However, just seven appearances later it is hard to see how he has a future with Evatt's side and a pre-contract agreement abroad may be just what he needs to reignite his career.

Luke Hutchinson

The third goalkeeper on this list is Luke Hutchinson, who has made just one appearance for Bolton.

In all likelihood, opportunities won't come the way of the 22-year-old who may be looking at signing an agreement elsewhere in January.