Bolton Wanderers Target Former Oxford United Standout Ruben Rodrigues
Bolton Wanderers are actively pursuing a transfer for Ruben Rodrigues from Vitoria as the February 2 deadline nears. The 29-year-old forward has garnered interest from several clubs, including those in the Championship and the Eredivisie. This comes as Bolton aims to strengthen their attacking options under manager Steven Schumacher.
Player Background and Recent Performance
Ruben Rodrigues, a Portuguese player, has experience in both English football and his current stint in Brazil. Previously, he played for Notts County and Oxford United. During last season, Rodrigues made 39 appearances in the Championship, scoring four goals and providing three assists, which helped Oxford secure a 17th place finish.
In his current campaign with Vitoria, Rodrigues has seen limited action, featuring in just four Serie A matches, all from the bench. This lack of playing time may prompt him to consider a move back to Europe.
Bolton’s Strategy
As Bolton Wanderers continue to push for promotion to the Championship, they have already signed players like Corey Taylor-Blackett and Rob Apter on loan. Manager Steven Schumacher is aware of Rodrigues’s potential and knows he could be instrumental in their efforts.
- Current League Position: 3rd in League One
- Points Behind: 6 points from 2nd place Lincoln City
- Upcoming Fixture: Away match against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday at 12:30 PM
Rodrigues’s Previous Achievements
Ruben Rodrigues played a significant role in Oxford United’s promotion campaign, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in the regular season. In the play-off final at Wembley Stadium, he contributed two assists, helping Oxford defeat Bolton to gain promotion in 2024.
Potential Transfer Details
There is speculation about the possibility of a loan deal with an option to buy. This approach could be beneficial for Bolton, allowing them to evaluate Rodrigues’s impact without a large immediate financial commitment. With the transfer window closing soon, securing high-quality signings could significantly affect Bolton’s chances in the promotion race.
As time runs short, Bolton’s pursuit of Ruben Rodrigues may prove to be a strategic move in enhancing their squad for the critical remainder of the season.
