Wanderers have added to their international ranks with the signing of exciting Hungarian wing-back Szabolcs Schön.
The 23-year-old, who has been capped eight times by his country, becomes the Whites’ fifth summer signing after arriving from Hungarian top-flight club Fehervar for an undisclosed fee – subject to international clearance.
Schön has signed an initial three-year deal at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and brings a successful end to Wanderers’ detailed pursuit of a left-sided wing-back who meets the criteria for manager Ian Evatt’s plans as a creative, attack-minded wide player with the dribbling skills to go past opponents in support of the Whites’ front line.
The former Ajax youngster also possesses the athleticism to carry out his defensive duties and is a key addition to Wanderers’ squad ahead of the new campaign.
Evatt said: “The left wing-back area was a position we felt we needed to strengthen. At the moment, senior player-wise, we've only got Randell there and he’s been carrying an injury in pre-season.
“Szabi is our first move into the European and worldwide market and is someone with an incredible background, from being a kid at Ajax to a full international with Hungary who has played in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley and helped his country get a positive result.
“He’s also played club football in Europe, so he's got an incredible pedigree and brings a skill set and the tools we require from that position.
“He speaks perfect English and having played in the MLS at Dallas he understands English instructions and he will suit the way we play. It's incredibly exciting for everyone to see how he gets on.”
The Wanderers’ boss added: “The most important thing now is that we make him feel really welcome. He’s moving away from home again and away from his family and as a Bolton Wanderers family we need to make sure we support him and make sure the transition is as seamless as possible.”
The signing of Schön follows groundwork first laid down by Wanderers 12 months ago when new employment laws adopted by the FA allowed League One and Two clubs to recruit up to two players whose international pedigree makes them eligible to sign outside previous Home Office criteria.
And Schön – who had also attracted interest from other EFL and European clubs – certainly has all the right credentials with a background that saw him come through the youth set-up at Dutch giants Ajax before launching his first-team career back in Hungary with MTK Budapest.
The wideman scored 16 goals in 62 appearances, as well as figuring highly on the assist charts, with Budapest before moving to the United States in 2021 to play in the MLS, spending a season with FC Dallas and providing half-a-dozen assists before returning to Hungary.
Schön, who has also operated as a full-back at club level, helped Fehervar finish fourth in the Hungarian league last season to qualify for the European Conference League and has since figured in their run to the third qualifying round of this season’s competition.
After playing 90 minutes in a second-leg goalless draw against Sumqayit of Azerbaijan to seal their passage through on Wednesday night, Schön arrived in England on Thursday before putting the finishing touches to his move to Wanderers today (Friday).
He will become the Whites’ second Hungarian international after goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, having represented his country from under-16 to full in international level.
His senior debut came in June, 2021 ahead of the delayed European 2020 Championships when he started group games against Portugal and Germany.
Schön then started against England at Wembley in October, 2021 when Hungary secured a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier and further bolsters Wanderers’ growing roster of international players after taking squad number 23 with the Whites.
To sponsor Szabi, please contact our commercial team via TDavies@bwfc.co.uk