He has played a massive part in Bolton’s hugely successful season, yet it looks as though Johan Elmander’s stay at the Reebok Stadium is set to come to an end after Galatasaray announced that an agreement had been made with the Swedish striker.
The 29-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and according to Bolton manager Owen Coyle, it looks almost certain that he is set to leave. The former Burnley chief said: “Galatasaray have announced on their website they have agreed something with Johan. Do I expect him to leave? In my heart of hearts, yes.
“I have spoken to Johan and certainly nothing has been signed. That is not to say it won’t be signed, maybe in the next couple of weeks. ”
Despite a slow start, Elmander has become a key fixture in Bolton’s squad and has certainly justified the club-record £8.2m that the Trotters shelled out for him. This season in particular he has been impressive, having bagged twelve goals to help the Reebok Stadium outfit finish in a respectable 12th position.
While Galatasaray’s announcement is by no means official confirmation of the Swede’s switch, it would certainly seem likely given the events over the past few months. The former Toulouse striker has refused to sit down and discuss terms over a new contract and that in itself gave a huge indication that he would not be there to start the 2011/12 campaign.
However, he still has some work to do as Bolton bid to finish in their highest position for several years. It was only last year that Owen Coyle stepped in to replace Gary Megson, with the club in serious relegation trouble. However, he has now transformed the fortunes of the Lancashire side and if they can win their final game against Manchester City on Saturday, they could finish the season in 8th.
