Gent head coach Rik De Mil has stated that Max Dean wants to return to England after being pulled out of Sunday’s triumph over KV Mechelen.
The 22-year-old, who joined Gent from MK Dons, has been connected with Bolton and Millwall throughout the summer transfer window, with sources claiming that the Trotters’ approach for the player was rejected by Gent.
As a result, Dean has continued to train and develop with Gent, with discussions about a possible transfer taking place in the background.
Rik De Mil confirms Max Dean transfer as Bolton and Millwall pursue Gent forward.
However, speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Mechelen, Gent manager De Mil informed DAZN that Dean was not included in the team because he is hoping to leave for an English club during the transfer window.
“Max Dean is coping with some transfer troubles in his head. I had a wonderful chat with him, and I believe I should likewise safeguard my squad. I need to come here with the boys that are completely committed.
“He understands England much better. He wants to transfer; we’ll see whether it works out. I am giving him that space. But, on the other hand, we have to make do with the guys who are completely focused on Gent.”
Bolton reportedly made a £1 million offer for Dean, which is lower than Gent’s assessment of the attacker, and it’s worth recalling that they paid roughly £1.7 million to sign the ex-Leeds teenager from MK Dons in the summer of 2024.
Max Dean would be a good addition for Millwall or Bolton.
This is an intriguing development, and De Mil’s decision to leave Dean out of the team for Sunday’s game suggests that a transfer is becoming more likely.
In any case, you have to admire the Gent manager’s honesty, since he has clearly laid out the scenario for everyone involved, and we know Dean wants to return to England this summer.
Max Dean’s 25/26 Jupiler League Statistics (Source: Sofascore)
Appearances
23
Starts
11
Goals
7
Assists: 1. Expected Goals:
8.96
Sprints per Game
13.6
Top Speed
34.5 km/h
Big Chances Missed
7
You can see why Bolton and Millwall are interested in the youngster, since he has done well in the Belgian top flight in recent years, netting six goals in 17 games in his first season and seven in 23 the following season.
They’re hardly amazing figures, but Dean adds a lot to the squad by working from the front, and he’s an eager runner who can stretch the opposition and lead the press.
So he’s the type of striker that his teammates would enjoy, and at 22, it’s clear that he still has a lot of opportunity to grow, which makes Dean’s appeal comprehensible.
That’s why Millwall and Bolton are interested, and while he might do well at either club, a transfer to the latter may make more sense for Dean if he wants to prioritise consistent playing time.
However, it will ultimately come down to dollars, and Gent will undoubtedly want to repay their investment in Dean at the very least.
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