Sheffield Wednesday, along with fellow Championship sides Derby County and Swansea City, have expressed interest in signing Ricardo Santos, who is set to depart Bolton Wanderers this summer, according to a report from Pete O’Rourke. Santos, a long-serving player at Bolton, is approaching the end of his contract and is expected to seek a new challenge after five years with the Trotters, during which he made over 200 appearances and served as club captain.
Sheffield Wednesday face a pivotal summer. Despite a season that once showed promise, they finished mid-table, 10 points off the play-off spots. The club now finds itself in a period of uncertainty, with manager Danny Rohl expected to leave and tensions growing between supporters and ownership. Even so, the Owls appear determined to press on with their summer recruitment plans—and Santos seems to be on their radar.
The competition for Santos’ signature will be fierce. Derby County and Swansea City are reportedly among the Championship clubs also eyeing the 29-year-old defender. There is additional interest from ambitious League One sides as well, who see Santos as a valuable asset. With an average FOTMob rating of 7.16 over the past three League One campaigns, his consistent performances suggest he’s ready for a higher level of competition.
Though he’s been a key figure at Bolton, Santos never had the chance to play Championship football with the club—a likely source of frustration for a player of his calibre. Now, with time ticking on his career, a move to a Championship side like Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, or Swansea could finally offer him that opportunity. Standing at around 6’4″ and possessing impressive athleticism, Santos certainly has the physical tools to compete in the second tier.
While some may argue that another League One club is a safer next step following a challenging 2024/25 season, Santos may be eager to test himself at a higher level before the window of opportunity closes. As a free agent, he presents a low-risk, potentially high-reward option for Championship clubs in need of a strong, experienced centre-half.
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