Sam Dalby decided to snub an offer to stay at Wrexham – and has also snubbed multiple Championship contract offers.
Wrexham’s attacking options look set to change this summer as Phil Parkinson attempts to make an impact in the Championship.
Steven Fletcher has already gone and few would be surprised to see Paul Mullin or Ollie Palmer follow after limited opportunities in 2025.
Sam Dalby decided to leave Wrexham on a free transfer, with his contract coming to an end this summer.
Wrexham offered Dalby new terms, but the striker decided to move on after a strong loan spell at Dundee United.
Dalby’s stock has never been higher, and rather than settle for a new deal at Wrexham, he has found himself a new club.
Bolton Wanderers boss on Sam Dalby deal
Dalby has penned a four-year deal with Bolton Wanderers and will be expected to play a key role in a promotion push.
Steven Schumacher was brought in as Wanderers boss with a view to taking the club back to the Championship.
The Trotters missed out on the League One play-offs but will now look towards Dalby to spearhead a promotion push.
Schumacher has told Bolton’s official website that Dalby is a simply ‘fantastic piece of business’ for his side.
Schumacher praised Dalby’s performances on loan at Dundee United, believing that he brings something different to Bolton’s attack.
The former Stoke City boss added that Dalby has the mentality to step up and make a huge contribution for Bolton in the years to come.
“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,” said Schumacher.
“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,” he added.
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Sam Dalby rejected two Championship offers
Schumacher hinted at ‘strong interest’ from elsewhere, with Dalby becoming a wanted man off the back of his Dundee United form.
Blackpool were interested in Dalby, but two Championship clubs are believed to have made offers.
The Bolton News claim that Oxford United and Preston North End both wanted to sign Dalby.
The Championship duo avoided relegation last season and were seemingly looking towards Dalby to provide a goalscoring boost.
We would imagine that those Championship clubs were offering Dalby squad roles, whereas Bolton may see him as a long-term starter – hence the four-year contract.
Dalby spent enough time being in and out of the team at Wrexham and may well have taken the perspective that starting action for Bolton is better than being a squad player in the Championship.