Peterborough United have announced the capture of Bolton Wanderers forward Klaidi Lolos, who joins the club on a three-year deal.
The turnover at Bolton Wanderers has been vast this summer, with Lolos the latest to depart after only joining the club last year, after starring in a promotion-winning Crawley Town side.
Joining League One rivals Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee, the forward joins several signings at the Cambridgeshire club this summer, such as Kyrell Lisbie, Brandon Khela, and Alex Bass.
Klaidi Lolos to Peterborough United
Confirmed via Peterborough’s official website, the Greek is befitting of the transfer model the Posh have regarded.
Known for their bravery to rely on ‘diamond in the rough’ signings with a high potential for sell-on-value, Lolos fit this ideology well.
A proven performer at League Two level, the dynamic forward proved a pivotal figure in the 2023-24 season, as Scott Lindsey guided Crawley Town to a shock promotion. The 24-year-old tallied 15 goals and seven assists for the Red Devils.
Earning a move to Bolton the following summer, the forward’s progression stalled, only making 24 appearances in the third tier, limited to only eight starts for the North West outfit.
Still tallying two goals and two assists, there is potential to be met in Lolos, which Peterborough feel they can find.
Heavy departures at London Road this summer leave big boots to fill, having lost one of the best players in the division in Kwame Poku to Queens Park Rangers. High-potential forwards Ricky Jade-Jones and Malik Mothersille are also no longer with the club.
Likely to feature more under Darren Ferguson, it will be interesting to see whether the Greek can recapture his Crawley form.
Mass Departures at Bolton Wanderers
Lolos’ departure comes under several outgoings at the Toughsheet Community Stadium this summer.
After a transitional season saw Steven Schumacher succeed Ian Evatt, the former Stoke City manager has been tasked with an extensive stylistic turnover if he is to build a Bolton side in his image, given the vast differences between the two coaches.
Whites’ Player of the Season, Aaron Collins, made a shock switch to League Two side MK Dons, while Gethin Jones, Ricardo Santos, and Nathan Baxter also departed after the trio made up a strong core in the Trotters’ teams over the years.
Also busy in terms of incomings, the likes of Sam Dalby, Xavier Simons, and Ethan Erahon are amongst the new names in the dressing room.
With Lolos’ departure to Peterborough United now confirmed, it will be interesting to see if this frees up room for another forward addition, with Schumacher’s squad beginning to appear thin in terms of forward depth
What has been said?
On signing for the club, Lolos expressed his delight at the opportunity:
“It has happened quite quickly, but I am really pleased to be here and can’t wait for the season to come, it is very exciting.
“I have played against Peterborough before and I have obviously played a lot of games in this league before. I want to win, I want to help the team.”
Similarly, manager Darren Ferguson was pleased with his new playmaker, commenting on the quality, experience and various attributes Lolos brings to his new club:
“I am delighted. I have kept an eye on him for about 18 months, ever since he played against us for Crawley Town when he was extremely impressive. Sometimes you play against an opposition and a player catches your eye.
“We had an interest in him at that point, but he went to Bolton Wanderers and as sometimes happens, he signed for one manager and then that manager leaves and someone comes in with different ideas. Things can change at that point.
“We believe this is a really good signing for us, he gives us a different kind of 10, but he can also play as a striker or as a number eight.
“He brings us size, physique, knows the league and it is a position that I felt we needed to improve in. I have given myself time to analyse players over pre-season, rather than make any hasty decisions.
“We have had more focus on players that were here last season and I just feel we need to improve in certain areas and this is one of those areas.”
