Bolton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Ben Andreucci on a two-year deal and in a post on their website, they claimed they beat Championship clubs to land the forward – after he left Leeds United on a free.
Andreucci, 18, was highly-rated at Leeds after scoring 19 goals in 39 outings for the club’s Under-18 side. He had a tally of nine goals in 15 outings this season, and has three Scotland U19 caps to his name. But he has chosen to go.
His contract was up this summer and Leeds have allowed him to go on a free to join Bolton. The third-tier club will place Andreucci in the club’s reserve side to begin with – but with a view to pushing him into the club’s first team.
Bolton posted confirmation of the signing on their official website this week, and within the statement, they claim that they saw off competition from a number of Championship clubs to land Andreucci on a free transfer from us.
“Wanderers headed off competition from a number of Championship clubs to secure Andreucci’s services on a first professional contract,” the statement on Bolton’s official site reads, as posted on Wednesday following his signing.
Bolton beat Championship clubs to land Andreucci after leaving Leeds
It is possible a surprise that Leeds have allowed Andreucci to leave Elland Road, and one that could easily come back to haunt the Whites. He is a striker that has showed plenty of potential, albeit at U18 level. He needs a step up.
Perhaps, a move to Bolton where he will initially play second-string football will give him that. Certainly, the pathway into the senior side is less full of obstacles at Bolton. Leeds have numerous strikers vying to start for the club.
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