St Mirren pulled off a late coup on transfer deadline day with the signing of forward Dan Nlundulu from Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old arrives on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance, and is expected to bolster Stephen Robinson’s attacking options as the club looks to strengthen its bid for consistency in the Scottish Premiership. Nlundulu, who began his career at Southampton, has had spells across England’s lower leagues and now arrives in Paisley with the hunger to prove himself in Scotland.
Having graduated from the Southampton academy, Nlundulu made 16 first-team appearances for the Saints, including 13 in the English Premier League. Loan spells followed at Lincoln City, Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers, before he signed permanently for the Trotters in June 2023. Last season, he gained regular minutes at Cambridge Town in League One, where he notched up five goals in 30 appearances. While his scoring record has not yet exploded, his physicality, movement, and ability to stretch defences make him a different type of threat for the Saints.
In the build-up to deadline day, Nlundulu’s name featured prominently in online betting markets. Punters scanning betting sites without gamstop found competitive odds on his next destination, with a move to Scotland priced at 3/1 just days before the window closed. These platforms are popular with fans because they often offer wider markets, quicker payouts, and more generous odds compared to traditional sites. For many followers of Scottish football, such sites provide a unique way to track the latest rumours and add extra intrigue to the closing stages of the transfer window.
Manager Stephen Robinson highlighted the importance of Nlundulu’s arrival, particularly after the departure of Toyosi Olusanya earlier in the summer. With Olusanya gone, the Saints had been short of raw pace and strength in the final third. Robinson believes Nlundulu’s athleticism and power will allow him to slot seamlessly into the side’s style of play. His ability to run at defenders and create space for teammates could prove decisive in tighter matches where St Mirren have struggled to break down stubborn opposition.
One of the recurring themes in Nlundulu’s career has been injuries. Robinson acknowledged this upon the striker’s arrival, stressing the importance of keeping him fit and available. The Saints boss suggested that the medical team has put in place a programme tailored to Nlundulu’s needs, aiming to ensure he can deliver consistently across the season. Should the forward remain injury-free, supporters could see him become a key player in the second half of the campaign.
Bookmakers adjusted quickly after the deal was announced. Some betting markets shifted St Mirren’s chances of finishing in the top six, with odds tightening from 11/4 to 9/4 following the deadline day signing. For Nlundulu himself, odds of 5/1 to be St Mirren’s top scorer this season have already attracted attention. While he faces competition from established forwards, his late arrival has sparked optimism among fans and punters alike.
The loss of Olusanya left St Mirren needing a player with direct pace and a willingness to press defenders aggressively. Nlundulu ticks these boxes and brings with him a background of having trained and played at Premier League level. His time at Southampton, although limited in appearances, gave him exposure to elite coaching and tactical systems that could now prove invaluable in the Scottish game.
For Nlundulu, this move represents an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. After several loan spells and a mixed stint at Bolton, he now has the platform to establish himself as a regular starter. The Scottish Premiership has often been a proving ground for players looking to reignite their careers, and with Robinson’s trust, the 26-year-old will be eager to seize the moment. His adaptability, capable of playing both centrally and wider, could also see him feature in multiple roles.
Among the St Mirren faithful, the news of Nlundulu’s arrival was greeted with cautious optimism. Fans recognise the striker’s raw ability but are also aware of his inconsistent past. The general feeling is that, under Robinson’s management, he could rediscover his best form. The supporters’ expectation is that Nlundulu not only chips in with goals but also provides the physical presence and energy required to unsettle defenders and create space for others.