KAA Gent’s Max Dean drifts out as Bolton and others circle

KAA Gent drew 0-0 with Hibernian on Thursday evening in the Conference League play‑offs, and the match sheet showed no sign of striker Max Dean – a silence that reignited questions about his future.

The Belgian side held Hibernian to a goalless stalemate, but Dean’s absence was the most striking feature of the evening.

Spotty involvement fuels doubts

Dean missed the squad for the game against KV Mechelen, yet returned to the starting core when Gent faced Göteborg. He was again omitted for the fixture versus La Louvière, suggesting a desire to leave the club. The pattern of selection – absent for Tegen KV Mechelen, present for Göteborg, absent for La Louvière – fuels speculation that Dean wants a move.

Transfer bids spark speculation

Bolton Wanderers made an initial offer of more than one million euros, which the Gentenaren rejected. A second bid of roughly two million euros was also turned down, and Millwall FC has shown interest, though no club‑level agreement has been reached.

Coach De Mil said, “We have had a good conversation on Saturday. He is an incredibly honest and good guest.” He added that the situation is clear and it is becoming less likely that Dean will stay.

De Mil also noted that the pool of players available for European competition is larger than for the domestic league, and his decisions are based on what he sees on the pitch.

Speculation now centres on whether Dean will travel to Scotland next week or be flown to England, making the coming weeks particularly interesting for the Planet Group Arena.

The contrast between Gent’s steady performance on the field and Dean’s uncertain off‑field future highlights a club at a crossroads, with the striker’s next destination still undecided.