Steven Schumacher didn’t reveal much about Johnny Kenny’s potential return to Bolton Wanderers this summer, but he did confess he would like to work with him again this season.

Bolton’s season begins on Saturday with a trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup for the second consecutive year, before their seven-year Championship absence ends the following week against Preston North End.

And it’s been widely reported that Wanderers sorely need attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes in little under four weeks in order to compete in the second division and escape automatic relegation to League One.

Head coach Steven Schumacher has stated that he wants two strikers and two wingers before the window closes, and if one of those strikers is former loanee Johnny Kenny, it would alleviate any concerns about the club’s top-end strength, or lack thereof.

Steven Schumacher issues Johnny Kenny update.

Speaking on the BBC Radio Manchester call-in show ahead of the new season, Steven Schumacher was, predictably, questioned regarding if Celtic frontman Kenny may make a return, after spent the latter half of last season on loan at the Toughsheet Stadium.

With the Scottish giants breaking their transfer record to bring striker Kasper Hogh in from Bodo/Glimt, there’s expectation that the Irishman could be made available, but Celtic are keen on keeping as much depth in their squad amid their upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

When asked if Kenny would return, Schumacher replied, “Who knows?”

“I’ve been open about the fact that I thought Johnny did an excellent job for us last season, and he was a real asset to us when we signed him in January.

“He was a guy I sought to sign last summer, but it didn’t materialise because Celtic required him to stay in their squad. We signed him in January and he made a significant impact, scoring vital goals and providing assists. He’s a guy I’d like to work with again due to his brilliant personality.I’m not sure if we can make that happen again. I don’t know if we can afford it. “I’m not sure if he’ll be available from Celtic, either on loan or permanently.”We’re not sure, but as I mentioned, he’s a player I’d like to work with again.”

Why Bolton Wanderers fans, including Steven Schumacher, want Johnny Kenny to return this summer

While Bolton was beginning to recover from a poor run of form since Christmas, bringing Kenny in to boost the frontline on deadline day helped solidify the Trotters’ League One playoff spot.

The 23-year-old was a cut above the rest in the third tier, especially once he settled in and established a pattern of starting games on a regular basis. Of his six goals, five came in successive games leading up to the final day.

Johnny Kenny’s 2025/26 League One statistics

Appearances

14

Goals

6

Expected goals:

4.50

Shots on target.

17 Assists.

3

Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in that final day match against Luton Town, and he was unable to contribute to Bolton’s triumphant play-off campaign, instead watching from the stands as they defeated Stockport County at Wembley.

He was one of many Championship-ready attacking players who spent time on loan at the Toughsheet Stadium last season in League One, and with the goal of establishing themselves in the second tier as soon as possible, having Kenny in the squad permanently would be a significant assist.

Kenny hasn’t played for Martin O’Neill’s side this year, owing primarily to his recovery from the aforementioned knee injury, but he isn’t expected to play again and was not included in Celtic’s summer kit. It could only be a matter of time before he departs, and Bolton will hope that they are the ones who benefit.

How Bolton Wanderers have responded to the recent Steven Schumacher interview.

While Bolton fans would like their head coach to come out and state that things with Kenny are going well and that a move for the 23-year-old would be announced soon, they aren’t too concerned about Schumacher’s words last night.

In reality, his interview has practically confirmed what those people believe. With so many positions at the Toughsheet that require coverage between now and September 1, it would be illogical to invest a significant portion of the remaining resources on one player.

According to Bolton journalist Marc Iles, while Kenny is the “preferred” option, “they won’t leave themselves short,” and one fan commented, “From his interview sounds very much like most thought; we just don’t know where we stand financially.”

If Celtic aren’t openly discussing getting rid of Kenny because they want him around for depth purposes in the Champions League this month, but he isn’t included in the team, he’ll be even closer to leaving.

With just under four weeks remaining in the transfer market, Bolton can afford to be patient with their major objective. It may take a few more weeks, but there is still optimism that Kenny may become a permanent player before the end of the month.