In June 2006, Didi Hamann was given permission to talk to Bolton about a potential transfer to the North West club. Hamann admitted that he would be saddened to leave Liverpool but would make "the best decision for my future".
Hamann actually signed a contract in June 2006, to become a Bolton Wanderers player but had a "change of heart and decided not to join them at the Reebok. On July 12, he instead signed for Manchester City, with City agreeing to pay £400,000 compensation to Bolton.