Reports at the start of the week linked 27-year-old English striker John McAtee with several Championship rivals, including Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth, Lincoln City and Cardiff City. In response, Bolton boss Steven Schumacher stated that he was not sure if other clubs had been in contact, explaining that he does not personally take such phone calls. McAtee joined Bolton on August 9, 2024, and his contract runs until June 30, 2027. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €400k.