Bolton Wanderers secure striker Aaron Collins from Bristol Rovers

Bolton Wanderers have officially announced the signing of striker Aaron Collins from Bristol Rovers.

The 26-year-old, last season’s League One player of the year, joins the Whites on a contract set to run until June 2027.

Collins, who scored 16 goals for the Pirates last season, is Bolton's third signing of the winter transfer window, following Calvin Ramsey from Liverpool and Nathanael Ogbeta from Swansea City.

Manager Ian Evatt expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing, stating, “We wanted somebody who we feel will make an impact now, but also have an impact in the future." 

With 35 league goals in 118 appearances for Rovers, Collins brings a strong track record.

Evatt added, “He is a very, very good player and brings something slightly different to what we already have. We're always looking to improve and find players that are additive to what we already have and he fits that bill.”

Collins, born in Newport, began his EFL career with his hometown club before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2016.

After several loan spells and a permanent move to Morecambe, he eventually joined Forest Green Rovers and then Bristol Rovers, where he became top scorer for two consecutive seasons.

His move to Bolton Wanderers comes at a time when the club is second in League One and aiming to maintain their promotion challenge. Collins, having previously faced Wanderers as an opponent, now joins the squad as a key player for the remainder of the season.