Bolton Wanderers confirm signing of former Preston North End and Rangers man on a free

Bolton Wanderers have signed former Preston North End defender Ben Davies on a free transfer.

Following his release from Rangers, the 30-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the Whites - who have returned to the Championship after a seven-year absence.

Davies was on the books of the Gers for four years, having made the move their from Liverpool in 2022.

The Reds signed the defender - a product of PNE’s academy - for a reported £2m in February 2021 but he never made a first-team appearance.

Davies made 58 appearances in total for Rangers but had spent time on loan at Birmingham City and Oxford United across the last two seasons.

The most recent campaign saw him play 11 games for the U’s. Davies was a regular for Birmingham, though, in their League One title winning year of 2024/25.

He came through the ranks at Preston and after five loans spells as a youngster, forged his way into the first team in 2017/18.

Davies went on to make a total of 145 appearances for PNE, establishing himself as a top performer at Championship level - which ultimately attracted giants Liverpool.

On signing for Bolton, he said: “It feels brilliant to be here. I heard of interest from a few clubs but as soon as I knew Bolton were interested, this was the club I wanted to come to.

“It’s going to be exciting times back in the Championship after an excellent year. I’ve seen that the average attendance last year was over 20,000 and that was a massive pull for me.

“I think my Championship experience can help the team on and off the pitch. I’ve met with the gaffer and I like his outlook on football and how he wants to play.

“It’s going to be amazing stepping out in front of our fans. I’ve played here a few times and the atmosphere has always been brilliant.”