Why should Bolton Wanderers sign Charlie Wyke from Bradford City

Bradford striker Charlie Wyke is one of the hottest properties in the English lower leagues this summer. According to reports, the attacker, who has a year left on his current Bradford deal, is a target for both Sunderland and Bolton. Would he be a good signing for the latter?

As already mentioned, the Middlesbrough-born forward’s contract is set to run out in July 2019, which places massive pressure on Bradford. They may be forced to sell him in order to avoid losing him as a free agent next summer – something they’ll be keen to avoid.

However, it remains to be seen whether Bolton, who are not in a very strong financial state, will be able to provide enough cash to complete a deal.

In terms of his stats, Wyke scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists for a Bradford City side which finished mid-table last season. The striker stands at 6’2”, providing the Trotters with the option of a target man who can hold the ball up and link the play between midfield and attack.

Phil Parkinson could see Wyke as a replacement for Gary Madine, who joined Cardiff in January. To be fair, Bolton have decent firepower up front right now, with Clayton Donaldson arriving from Sheffield United.

He joins Sammy Ameobi and Adam Le Fondre in what already seems like a good setup. However, with the potential transfer of Wyke, Bolton will look even more dangerous in the attack. As boss Parkinson said:

“The key area is the top of the pitch. We need more strength.”

One of the main disadvantages would be the fact that Wyke has virtually no experience in the second tier. After coming through the youth ranks at Boro, where he failed to make a senior appearance, the attacker had loan spells with Kettering Town, Hartlepool and AFC Wimbledon before securing a permanent deal at League Two outfit Carlisle.

After 39 goals in 89 appearances, the 25-year-old moved to Bradford, where he spent the last two seasons and performed admirably.

Even though Wyke has played mainly in League One and League Two, he might be ready to make the step to the Championship. He’s already proven himself in the lower leagues and deserves a chance to perform at a higher level.

If Bolton secure the funds for a transfer, they shouldn’t think twice. If they manage to bring Wyke to the Macron Stadium, it would be a great deal for them.