Bolton Wanderers Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of centre forward Sam Dalby on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old will join the Whites upon the expiration of his contract with Wrexham at the end of June, with the move subject to the customary EFL and FA approvals.
Dalby arrives at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on the back of a standout season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, where his performances garnered considerable attention and accolades.
The 6ft 3in striker was a revelation in Scotland’s top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign, finding the net 15 times in all competitions for Dundee United. These goals were instrumental as the Tannadice club secured European football for the forthcoming season.
Dalby’s exceptional contributions were formally recognised when he was voted Players' Player of the Year by his Dundee United teammates. Furthermore, he earned a coveted spot in the Scottish Premiership’s divisional team of the year.
Characterised by his formidable aerial presence – evidenced by seven of his 15 goals for Dundee United last term coming from headers – clinical finishing and a committed work rate, Dalby will offer a potent new option in Wanderers’ attack.
Born in Leytonstone, Dalby started his senior career at Leyton Orient. His clear potential earned him moves to Leeds United and then Watford. Loan periods at Morecambe, Stockport County and Woking furnished him with further developmental experience.
He subsequently enjoyed a productive full season at Southend United in the National League, where he scored ten goals. This spell led to his transfer to Wrexham. At the Welsh club, Dalby was part of squads that achieved historic back-to-back promotions, first from the National League in 2022/23 and then from League Two in 2023/24.
Following his prolific spell north of the border, Dalby turned down the offer of an extended contract from his parent club Wrexham and has chosen Bolton Wanderers as the ideal place to take the next step in his career.
Head Coach Steven Schumacher said: "We are all very pleased to welcome Sam to Bolton Wanderers. He is a player whose progress we have monitored closely, and to bring him to the club, especially considering the strong interest from elsewhere, is a fantastic piece of business for us.
“Sam’s performances in Scotland last season spoke volumes about his capabilities. Crucially, he has really bought into the vision Fergal and I are building here at Bolton Wanderers.
“He gives us a different attacking profile with his physical presence and his eye for goal. At 25, he’s at an excellent age, with his best years ahead of him, and we’re excited to work with him and help him develop further.
“We were looking for a player who could add a different dynamic to our frontline, and Sam fits that requirement perfectly. I am confident he has the mentality and the quality to make a real positive contribution, and I’m sure our supporters will be eager to see him play."
Dalby added: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Bolton Wanderers. It’s a huge football club with a great history, an impressive stadium and a really passionate fanbase.
“As soon as I became aware of the interest and spoke with Fergal and Steven about their plans, it was a straightforward decision for me. The ambition here is clear and the way the team is looking to progress is something I really wanted to be part of. I had a very positive season last year, and I’m eager to carry that momentum forward, contribute with goals and help the team achieve our objectives.
“Choosing Bolton Wanderers feels like the right move for my career, especially with the direction the club is heading. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and perform for our fans.”
Dalby becomes an important addition to Steven Schumacher’s squad as preparations intensify for the 2025/26 League One campaign. Sam will wear the number 10 shirt for Wanderers next season.
He will join his new team-mates for the commencement of pre-season training and Wanderers fans can look forward to an exclusive first interview with Sam on Wanderers TV later this evening.
Sam is in for 2025/26. Close to 16,000 Wanderers fans are in for next season. Are you?
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