Bolton Wanderers Linked With Gent Midfielder Atsuki Ito 2026

Key Points

• Key Points
• Bolton Wanderers are preparing a move for Gent midfielder Atsuki Ito, according to transfer reports on 28 August 2026.
• The 28-year-old Japanese international joined KAA Gent on 14 August 2024 and is contracted until 30 June 2028.
• Ito has made three appearances for Japan since 2023 and has scored one goal.
• Bolton manager Steven Schumacher has confirmed the club wants to make three more signings before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
• The Trotters have already signed 10 players this summer, including Canadian winger Jayden Nelson.
• Ito is among the central midfielders shortlisted by Bolton Wanderers in transfer rumours.

Bolton (Manchester Mirror) August 28, 2026 – uk/local/bolton/">Bolton Wanderers are reportedly preparing a move for KAA Gent midfielder Atsuki Ito as the Championship club looks to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes, according to transfer monitoring service TransferFeed. The 28-year-old Japanese international has emerged as a target for the Trotters as manager Steven Schumacher seeks to add further quality to his midfield options ahead of the new season.

As reported by transfer analysts at TransferFeed, Bolton are preparing a move for Gent and Japanese midfielder Atsuki Ito, who is 28. The central midfielder joined the Belgian club on 14 August 2024 and his contract is valid until 30 June 2028, meaning any deal would require negotiations with the Pro League side.

What Is the Current Transfer Situation at Bolton Wanderers?

Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher has confirmed that the team aims to secure three additional signings before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, according to BBC Sport. “We’re not finished yet; we likely have three more to add,” Schumacher remarked in comments reported by BBC Radio Manchester.

“While it may seem like a lot, it’s crucial for us to assemble a squad that can truly compete at this level.”

So far, Bolton have brought in ten new players this summer, including forward Jayden Nelson, who joined the club on Wednesday from Austin FC on a four-year deal. The Canadian winger becomes the tenth player recruited by Steven Schumacher’s side during the summer transfer window, as reported by The Canadian Press via Winnipeg Free Press.

In addition to the Ito link, Bolton have been connected with other potential signings. As reported by The72, Bolton Wanderers could make a late move for Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu after their interest was revealed. A sale is preferred at St Mary’s, but they are willing to deal in a bid to get him off the books before the window’s end.

Who Is Atsuki Ito and What Is His Playing Profile?

Atsuki Ito (伊藤 敦樹) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Belgian Pro League club KAA Gent, according to Wikipedia. Born on 11 August 1998 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Ito stands at 1.85 metres (6 feet 1 inch) tall.

The midfielder’s career path shows he played for Urawa Reds from 2021 to 2024, making 121 appearances and scoring 12 goals in the Japanese top flight. He joined KAA Gent on 14 August 2024 and has made 25 appearances for the Belgian club, scoring 2 goals.

On the international stage, Ito made his debut for the Japan national team in 2023 and has earned three caps, scoring one goal for his country. His experience at both club and international level makes him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking midfield reinforcement.

What Other Transfer Activity Has Bolton Completed This Summer?

Bolton’s transfer activity this summer has been extensive, with the club bringing in ten new players as they prepare for their Championship campaign following promotion, according to BBC Sport. The most recent addition was Canadian international winger Jayden Nelson, who joined from Austin FC on a four-year contract, as announced by Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.

As reported by TSN, Bolton Wanderers confirmed the acquisition of the Canadian winger from Austin FC, with financial terms not disclosed. Nelson becomes the tenth player recruited by Steven Schumacher’s side during the summer transfer window, according to reporting by The72.

In addition to Nelson, Bolton have been linked with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from Southampton, with The72 reporting that Steven Schumacher’s Bolton Wanderers could make a late move for the Republic of Ireland international. The club has also been active in securing contract extensions, with forward Ruben Rodrigues agreeing a new two-year deal, which Schumacher described as a deserved reward for the player’s performances.

What Has Manager Steven Schumacher Said About the Squad?

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher has been vocal about the club’s transfer ambitions, emphasising the need for a competitive squad. “We are not done, we’ve got probably three to go,” Schumacher said in comments reported by BBC Sport. The manager has stressed the importance of building depth as the Trotters prepare for the challenges of Championship football.

Schumacher also provided updates on player fitness, with defender Akin Famewo anticipated to be available for the Championship match against fellow newly promoted team Lincoln City on Saturday at 15:00 BST, according to BBC Sport. The 27-year-old was substituted during last Saturday’s match against QPR due to an injury.

“It’s concerning when one of your players has to leave the pitch at halftime, but he trained today and reports that he feels good,” Schumacher noted regarding Famewo’s condition. “That’s definitely encouraging for us.”

Background of the Development

The link between Bolton Wanderers and Atsuki Ito emerges as part of a broader pattern of Championship clubs seeking to strengthen their squads with international experience before the transfer window closes. Ito’s move to European football with KAA Gent in August 2024 represented a significant step in his career, transitioning from the J-League to the Belgian Pro League.

Bolton’s promotion to the Championship has necessitated significant squad investment, with the club bringing in ten players during the summer window to compete at the higher level. The club’s transfer strategy appears focused on adding players with international experience and proven track records, as evidenced by the signings of Canadian international Jayden Nelson and the reported interest in Japanese international Atsuki Ito.

The timing of the Ito link, coming in the final days of the transfer window, suggests Bolton are looking to complete their squad building before the deadline. TransferFeed lists Ito among shortlisted central midfielders for Bolton Wanderers, indicating the club has identified specific positional needs.

Prediction: How This Development Could Affect Bolton Wanderers Supporters

Should Bolton Wanderers successfully secure Atsuki Ito’s services, the development would likely have several implications for the club’s supporters. The addition of a Japanese international with Pro League experience would represent a significant statement of intent from the Trotters as they establish themselves in the Championship.

For Bolton fans, Ito’s arrival would provide greater midfield depth and tactical flexibility for Steven Schumacher’s side. His experience in European football and international competition could prove valuable in the demanding Championship schedule, where squad rotation becomes essential.

The signing would also reflect positively on Bolton’s recruitment strategy, demonstrating the club’s ability to attract players with international pedigree despite competing in the second tier of English football. Supporters may view this as evidence that the club is building sustainably for long-term success rather than making short-term fixes.

However, the success of any transfer ultimately depends on how quickly the player adapts to English football and integrates with the existing squad. Bolton supporters will be watching closely to see whether Ito, should he arrive, can make an immediate impact as the Trotters navigate their Championship campaign.

The club’s active transfer window, with potentially three more signings to come, suggests supporters can expect further developments before the window closes on Tuesday. The final composition of Schumacher’s squad will set expectations for the season ahead among the Bolton faithful.