Theo Bair in action for Canada, with Steven Schumacher in a circular inset

Bolton Wanderers are in talks to sign Theo Bair Imago

Sources: Bolton Wanderers open talks to sign Auxerre's Theo Bair

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Published on:

12 Jul 2026, 10:03 am

Bolton Wanderers have opened talks to sign Canadian striker Theo Bair from Auxerre, sources have told Football Insider.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a top target for Steven Schumacher's side, and negotiations are ongoing as they aim to reach an agreement in the coming weeks.

Bair narrowly missed out on making Jesse Marsch's Canada squad for the World Cup after an impressive season on loan at Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport.

The striker, who can also play on both wings, scored 10 goals in 31 appearances for Lausanne across all competitions last season, catching the eye of watching scouts.

Bolton are now confident of getting a deal over the line, with doubts about whether Bair will return to Auxerre following his spell away on loan.

He has two years remaining on his contract with the French club, placing them in a strong position to negotiate his price tag, but Bolton are now pushing to reach an agreement.

Why do Bolton want to sign Theo Bair?

Bolton have been proactive in strengthening their squad this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship following their playoff final victory last time out.

The addition of a new striker has become a priority for Schumacher given the lack of senior options available to him, with Sam Dalby the only natural striker on the books.

This comes after Johnny Kenny returned to Celtic following his loan spell, as Football Insider shared reports that he is unlikely to extend his stay.

Schumacher has been outspoken about plans to strengthen, and a result, they are targeting deals for at least two new strikers this summer, with Bair emerging as a key target.

The forward's goalscoring exploits during a loan spell in Switzerland placed him firmly on Bolton's radar, and talks are taking place over what it would take to do a deal.

Should discussions continue to progress between the two clubs, there is a growing feeling Bair will be open to a move to the Championship outfit.

Celtic: Johnny Kenny return looks to be on the cards

Sources: Bolton Wanderers in advanced talks to sign Liverpool's Luca Stephenson

Which other positions are key for Bolton this summer?

Bolton's plans to strengthen their squad are already well underway this summer, with a number of key positions being targeted by Schumacher ahead of a crucial window.

Football Insider revaled on 30 June that Luca Stephenson was undergoing a medical at Bolton, and his move from Liverpool was later confirmed.

Stephenson enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Dundee United last season, where he attracted interest from both Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Bolton moved quickly as they planned to sign a new right-back, opening the door for them to divert their attentions towards other key areas of the squad.

Alongside the addition of a new striker, with talks ongoing over Bair's future, they will also look to add another centre-forward, a winger, and a central midfielder.

Liverpool Football Club