Bolton Wanderers need to replace Ricardo Santos - These 3 soon-to-be free agents would be perfect for Steven Schumacher | OneFootball

Here are four soon-to-be free agents who could elevate Schumacher's defensive setup while addressing the departure of their captain.

Bolton Wanderers' strategic rebuild under Steven Schumacher will require significant defensive reinforcements this summer, with former captain Ricardo Santos' departure leaving a lack of depth that needs addressing with urgency.

While Santos has been a commanding presence and leader for the Trotters over several seasons, his decline in form combined with increasing injury concerns has signaled the need for a new defensive lynchpin as Bolton push for promotion next season.

The experienced center-back has already gone, and with no transfer fee being recieved, Schumacher will need to be shrewd in identifying cost-effective replacements who can provide an immediate impact.

Here are three soon-to-be free agents who could elevate Schumacher's defensive setup while addressing the departure of their captain.

3 Nigel Lonwijk

In Nigel Lonwijk, Bolton could secure a player with existing chemistry in Schumacher's system.

The 22-year-old Wolves defender, whose contract expires this summer, was instrumental in Plymouth Argyle's League One title triumph under Schumacher in 2022-23, when they amassed an impressive 101 points.

Standing at an imposing 6'5", the Dutch youth international possesses the physical attributes necessary to dominate aerial duels, while his technical composure makes him equally comfortable in build-up play, an essential quality in Schumacher's possession-based approach.

What makes Lonwijk particularly appealing is his established relationship with Schumacher, who previously lavished praise on the defender during their time together at Plymouth, stating: "He's so calm for someone so young. Nothing fazes him.

"He just takes on information brilliantly. He's a real quality player and has got a bright future".

Cameron Humphreys-Grant represents the rare combination of youth development pedigree and proven EFL performance that Bolton's recruitment team should be targeting this summer.

The 26-year-old Rotherham United center-back, whose deal is up next month, has accumulated significant Championship and League One experience following his development at Manchester City, where he made his competitive debut in an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa at just 17 years old.

His international experience with England at youth level (representing the Three Lions from U16 through U19) showcases the technical foundation that makes him suited to Bolton's progressive playing style, while his time at Belgian side Zulte Waregem (55 appearances) demonstrates adaptability to different tactical systems.

With 86 League One appearances already under his belt for Rotherham, Humphreys-Grant would require minimal adaptation time to Schumacher's expectations in the third tier.

As exclusively revealed by FLW, linked with a number of other top League One Clubs, Paudie O'Connor emerges as perhaps the most complete defensive option among Bolton's potential targets.

The Lincoln City defender has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in League One over recent seasons, combining traditional defensive attributes with the distribution skills Schumacher demands from his center-backs.

O'Connor's leadership qualities, having captained his current side, would help fill the void left by Santos in the dressing room, while his set-piece threat adds an attacking dimension that Bolton have lacked from defensive positions.

What makes O'Connor particularly suited to Schumacher's approach is his comfort in a possession-based system combined with the positional intelligence to excel in a high defensive line. His ability to read the game allows him to make crucial interventions without always needing to rely on pace.

For a Bolton side looking to control games from the back, O'Connor's passing range and decision-making under pressure would provide the foundation for Schumacher's preferred build-up patterns.

By targeting Lonwijk, Humphreys-Grant, and O'Connor, who could all be available without transfer fees this summer, Bolton can upgrade their defensive options with players who combine physical presence with tactical intelligence, exactly what Schumacher needs to transform the Trotters into genuine promotion contenders.