Max Dean in action for MK Dons, with Steven Schumacher in a circular inset

Bolton Wanderers have agreed a deal to sign Max DeanImago

Sources: Max Dean jets in for Bolton Wanderers medical after deal agreed

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Published on:

31 Aug 2026, 4:04 pm

Bolton Wanderers have agreed a fee with Gent for the signing of Max Dean, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old is having a medical at the Toughsheet Community Stadium today, and will put pen to paper on a deal after putting the finishing touches on his move.

The former Leeds and MK Dons forward has been targeted by Bolton as they aim to bolster their attacking ranks in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Talks have been ongoing with the Belgian club over the last week, and they have finally reached a breakthrough, with a full agreement between all parties.

Dean scored seven goals and provided one assist in 26 appearances last season, but has not been in Gent's squad for any of their Juliper Pro League games this term.

As a result, they have been keen to move him on before the 1 September deadline, and Bolton have moved quickly to agree a deal despite his contract running until 2028.

Why are Bolton Wanderers signing Max Dean?

Football Insider revealed on 6 August that Bolton had seen an initial bid for Dean rejected by Gent, with that first offer worth around £1million falling short of their valuation.

Talks have continued between the two clubs since then, with Bolton's latest offer matching the striker's asking price, and Gent have given him permission to travel for a medical.

Following their promotion to the Championship, and after a mixed start to life in the second tier, Steven Schumacher's side are working hard to bolster their front line.

Bolton have agreed deals for the likes of Jayden Nelson, Samuel Iling-Junior and Kyliane Dong, but are still lacking depth at centre-forward.

Sam Dalby and Ryan Hardie represent their current options, with the former having started and scored during their first league win of the season against Preston.

However, the addition of Dean will give Schumacher plenty of options to lead the line, with the deal set to be finalised following a medical.

Sources: Bolton Wanderers submit Max Dean offer

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

Which other strikers are on Bolton's radar?

Dean is not the only striker who has been on Bolton's radar this summer, with the position having been identified as a priority for Schumacher following their promotion.

Football Insider revealed last month that Bolton had held talks with Ligue 1 outfit Auxerre to sign Canada international striker Theo Bair.

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.

However, with Dean now closing in on a move to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, their interest in Bair has been cooled and he is likely to remain at Auxerre.

Samuel Iling-Junior