Exclusive: Bolton Wanderers pip Wigan Athletic to transfer - "this is a massive coup" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has given his reaction to Bolton Wanderers completing the signing of Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon.

Pundit Lee Hendrie believes the signing of Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon is a big coup for Bolton Wanderers after they beat Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic to his signature.

Erhahon has been one of the standout midfielders in League One since joining Lincoln from St Mirren in January 2023, and he provided one assist in 38 appearances last season to help the Imps to an 11th-placed finish.

The 24-year-old was reportedly the subject of a £600,000 bid from Championship side Swansea City earlier in the summer, while journalist Ben Jacobs reported this week that Wigan had also submitted an offer amid further interest from Oxford United and Bolton.

However, as FLW exclusively revealed, despite Erhahon holding discussions with the Latics on Thursday, Wanderers made a late move for the Scotland Under-21 international, and after he completed his medical at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Friday, he has signed a four-year contract with Steven Schumacher's side.

The Trotters are believed to have paid £750,000 for Erhahon, and he becomes Schumacher's eighth signing of what has been an incredibly busy summer transfer window as he rebuilds his squad after missing out on the play-offs in the third tier last season.

Lee Hendrie reacts as Bolton Wanderers complete Ethan Erhahon deal

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie admitted that Bolton needed to strengthen this summer after their underwhelming campaign last season, and he backed Erhahon to be a big player for the club over the coming years.

"I think this is a good signing for Bolton," Hendrie said.

"I'm sure that Steven Schumacher has done his homework on what he will be bringing in to the football club.

"At 24 years of age, you do feel that he is a good addition to that Bolton side.

"They certainly do need to bolster, particularly with what the favourites in League One are doing this summer with bringing players in and really having a go.

"You do feel that bringing in young players with potential is good for Bolton.

"I do think this is a massive coup for Bolton going forward."

Ethan Erhahon could be the perfect George Thomason replacement for Bolton Wanderers

Erhahon is a player with huge potential, and having proven himself at League One level over the past few years, his signing is a big statement of intent from Bolton, particularly as he was also attracting interest from Championship clubs.

Wanderers were in need of midfield reinforcements after George Thomason made a £1.2 million move to Wrexham earlier this week, and not only could Erhahon be the perfect replacement for the outgoing captain, but he may even be an upgrade.

With eight new signings through the door already, the Trotters look to be in a strong position to challenge for promotion next season, although they are perhaps still missing a prolific striker after the shock departure of last season's 19-goal top scorer Aaron Collins to League Two side MK Dons.