Port Vale has secured the signing of former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Kyle Dempsey on a two-year contract, effective July 1, 2026.
The 30-year-old joins as a free agent after his release from Bolton, choosing the Valiants over offers from League One clubs.
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Fourth Summer Signing
Dempsey becomes Port Vale's fourth addition of the summer transfer window, following defenders Jasper Moon, goalkeeper Jackson Smith, and midfielder Matthew Craig.
The club is restructuring after relegation to League Two.
During his three-and-a-half seasons with Bolton, Dempsey scored 14 goals in 119 appearances, totaling 161 matches for the Trotters despite periodic injuries.
He secured promotion from League One last season and scored the opening goal in Bolton's 4-0 EFL Trophy final win over Plymouth Argyle at Wembley in 2023.
His final competitive appearance for Bolton came against Luton Town in May, capping a season where he made 33 appearances.
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Port Vale manager Jon Brady praised Dempsey's attributes, stating: "He's fiercely competitive, a natural leader and someone who sets high standards every single day."
Brady added that the recruitment team targeted Dempsey to build the midfield around his qualities.
"Kyle was someone we identified because he has the qualities we're looking to build our team around," Brady said.
"With the ball, he has real quality.
He sees passes, creates opportunities for others and has the ability to influence games in the final third."
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Brady emphasized Dempsey's character fits the club's rebuilding strategy aimed at returning to League One.
