Connect with us

Championship

Bolton close to shock Julio Baptista deal

Former Real Madrid and Arsenal forward linked with surprise move to Phil Parkinson’s side.

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Footballing history is littered with moves no-one saw coming, think Robinho to in 2008 or more recently Renato Sanches to . Now appear set to continue that grand tradition with the signing of free agent Julio Baptista.

The 35-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, has enjoyed an illustrious career with the likes of Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Roma – and now appears willing to continue his footballing journey with a stop at the Macron Stadium.

‘s side have suffered a wretched start to life back in the second tier, still awaiting their first win after two draws and three losses in their first five fixtures. The Trotters clearly require inspiration, and will be hoping that Baptista will be able to provide it.

The move would see the Brazilian return to for the first time since an underwhelming loan spell with the Gunners during the 2006-07 season. Arriving from Madrid with a big reputation, he managed just three goals in 24 league games.

Baptista’s most recent stint has been alongside countryman Kaka with MLS side Orlando City, but his stay in America lasted just eight months and he has been searching for a new club since November of last year.

He has reportedly already held talks with , and any signing would continue the Trotters’ recent history of bringing in veteran strikers out of the wilderness – à la Emile Heskey and Eiður Guðjohnsen.

Related Topics
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Football League Newsletter Today!
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Best Betting Sites at Betinireland.ienew-UK-football-betting-sites-banner

More in Championship

  •

    Florian Bianchini can be fab for Portsmouth – John Mousinho

    Portsmouth boss John Mousinho is tipping French loan capture Florian Bianchini to make a major impact at Fratton Park. Pompey have borrowed the versatile 24-year-old attacker from divisional rivals Swansea. The former Amiens and Bastia man netted three goals in 36 Championship games for the Swans last season, but only...

  •

    Chris Dunlavy: Big-hitters and rookie bosses join Championship madhouse!

    The FLP looks at the key Championship talking points The Championship season hasn’t even kicked off yet, and already we’ve seen transfer embargoes, unpaid wages and a host of other off-field issues. Then there’s the arrival of two big-hitters from League One in the shape of big-spending Birmingham and Hollywood-backed...

  •

    John Lyons: Sheffield Wednesday’s plight raises fears

    Concerns are growing as to whether Sheffield Wednesday will be in a position to kick off their Championship season at Leicester City next Sunday. There have been a raft of player departures in the past fortnight at the crisis-hit club. Wages were delayed in both May and June and the...

  •

    John Lyons: Closing in on the Championship…

    A host of Championship clubs put the finishing touches to their pre-season preparations yesterday. Stoke warmed up for their curtain-raiser at home against Derby next Saturday by earning a morale-boosting 1-0 win against Premier League new-boys Burnley. Ben Wilmot notched the Potters’ first half winner. Birmingham rounded off their pre-season...