Bolton Wanderers are delighted to secure the signing of goalkeeper Nathan Baxter on an initial two-year deal.
Baxter arrives with an excellent pedigree having been at Premier League club Chelsea since the age of eight and regarded highly as a player throughout his time in London, with FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League medals to his name.
The 24-year-old has amassed 185 appearances across valuable loan spells, most recently last season in the Championship with Hull City.
“I’m delighted to be here. After seven years of loans, this will be my first permanent move so I’m really excited”, he said.
“This is the right time for me. I’m at a good age and it will be good to feel like I’m here for the long run and not just for a loan.”
Whilst at Hull, Baxter caught the eye on several occasions, gaining plaudits in the EFL’s ‘Team of the Week’ and securing the highest save percentage in the Championship in 2021/22.
With those performances and a total of 28 appearances in the Championship, he is now eager to perform in the upper echelons of League One, and beyond, with the Whites.
“Bolton is a huge football club with a massive fan base. When I spoke to the gaffer, we both agreed that we both want to work at the top end of the game and Bolton has the ambition to get there, step-by-step.
“The size of the Club and the way it is run was a big factor for me. Working with the manager and goalkeeper coach, who have both worked high up in the game, was also important for me.”
With Baxter playing his part for Chelsea in one of the best youth teams in Europe, before gaining vital EFL appearances, the goalkeeper brings a varied catalogue of experience with him to the Toughsheet Community Stadium – and a set of attributes which was well sought after this summer.
“I had plenty of options, but I think coming to a Club where I can be number one and play at the top end of the table is what I want to be a part of. It was a very quick conversation with the gaffer as my mind was made up quite quickly.
“I’ve played with a few of the lads already at previous clubs and they have all said great things about Bolton. The first thing they all said was about the size of the Club and how good the fanbase is, so I’m really excited.”
At a relatively young 24 years of age, Baxter is already setting his sights on success for his time at Wanderers and is confident that he can stamp his authority throughout the league.
“I’ve played a lot of football at a young age and had some great experience, including in this division. I’m excited about coming here after two seasons in the league above. My aim is to be the best keeper in the league for the best team in the league.
“I can’t wait to meet all of the lads now and start day one of pre-season.”
Nathan wears the brand-new Wanderers training range, available online and in store now. CLICK HERE to shop online now!