Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Swansea eye move for ex-Bolton Wanderers star | OneFootball

League One clubs are also monitoring free agent Ricardo Santos

Free agent Ricardo Santos is attracting significant interest from the Championship following his Bolton Wanderers exit, with Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, and Swansea City all considering a move for the experienced centre-back.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who reports that the three clubs have ‘made enquiries’ about the defender.

The 29 year old officially departed Bolton at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, ending a four-year stint at the club where he made over 200 appearances and wore the captain’s armband for three seasons.

His availability on a free transfer has quickly turned heads, with clubs across the EFL viewing him as a low-risk, high-value addition.

Championship clubs circle Ricardo Santos as Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Swansea City target defensive reinforcements

Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Swansea City are all considering moves for Ricardo Santos as they look to strengthen defensively ahead of the new season.

Wednesday failed to reinforce their backline during the January transfer window and were left exposed during key moments in their Championship campaign. The Owls’ recent retained list has left just three outright centre backs under contract.

Derby are in the market for a replacement for Eiran Cashin, who departed in January for Brighton and Hove Albion, leaving a significant gap in their defensive structure. The Rams may also be without Sondre Langas, following a post-season operation on a serious knee injury. Santos’s experience and leadership make him a strong candidate to slot straight into John Eustace’s plans.

Swansea are likely anticipating the exit of Harry Darling this summer.

Competition for free agent Ricardo Santos’ signature likely to intensify

O’Rourke reports that several League One sides are also monitoring Santos’s situation.

Having played a pivotal role in Bolton’s promotion from League Two and their EFL Trophy win at Wembley, Santos offers proven experience at multiple levels of the EFL.

With clubs across the second and third tiers looking to get ahead in the early weeks of the transfer window, a resolution to Santos’s future could come swiftly.

Given his leadership qualities, physical presence, and consistency at the back, Santos represents an attractive proposition for clubs seeking a ready-made defensive solution without incurring a transfer fee.