Former Arsenal and Real Madrid player Julio Baptista is reportedly being targeted by Bolton in an attempt to boost their team in the Championship.
According to a report by The Sun, Julio Baptista could be set on a return to England to play for Bolton in the Championship. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid man is currently a free agent after being released by MLS outfit Orlando City, and could be on his way to join Phil Parkinson’s squad.
Julio Baptista embarked on his career as a defensive midfielder, and after a string of impressive performances for his hometown squad Sao Paulo, the Brazilian signed for Sevilla in 2003. It was at Sevilla that he was first deployed as a forward, following which Baptista gradually adapted to the change and converted to being a forward.
In his two seasons for the club, he scored 50 goals which attracted interest from clubs and that led the way to his transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2005. However, his stint at Real Madrid did not prove to be as fruitful. He spent two more unsuccessful seasons at that club, which also included a loan spell at Arsenal.
It took some time but Baptista finally transferred to Roma in Italy. He returned to Spain again by signing for Malaga in 2011 – and after a short spell with Cruzeiro in Brazil – the forward joined Orlando City. He was released from the club last November and the 35-year-old is now seeking a change.
As things stand, Baptista will go on to sign for Bolton as a free agent and try to help out Phil Parkinson’s struggling squad. His experience will definitely prove to be an advantage for the team and it also seems like an ideal choice for Baptista to play out the rest of his years.
It is believed that Parkinson has been hoping to fine-tune his side’s front line following their promotion to the Championship since this will be a crucial time for the club as they launch an attempt at progressing further.
The Trotters have made a poor start to the current Championship campaign, recording just two points in their opening five games. Thus, signing Baptista can prove to be a huge boost for the squad in general. The player’s form may have declined but he was truly remarkable in Sevilla, and can hope to muster the same form for the club.