This summer, Wigan Athletic have been active in the transfer market, with manager Shaun Maloney and his team working towards a playoff spot for the 2024/25 season.
Maloney expressed his desire to have 90% of the squad in place before preseason, leading to the signings of Michael Olakigbe and Calvin Ramsay on loan from Brentford and Liverpool, and Dion Rankine on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
Wigan Athletic’s manager is eager to complete his transfer dealings promptly due to the club’s recent history. Last season, the team faced a transfer embargo imposed due to financial mismanagement under the previous ownership.
Key players like Charlie Wyke and Tom Pearce also departed at the end of the season. However, under the new ownership of Mike Danson, the club has adopted a financially sustainable approach, prioritizing prudent spending. While the team aims to make significant signings, they may need to be judicious in their recruitment efforts.
By promoting these two players to the first team instead of signing new players, Wigan Athletic could potentially save a six-figure sum, making them valuable assets to the club’s budget.
Josh Stones
Josh Stones, a 20-year-old forward and product of Wigan’s academy, demonstrated his potential last season. He netted two goals in three EFL Trophy matches and also made six League One appearances, including a starting role in a 2-0 victory over Exeter City in October.
Before being loaned to Oldham Athletic in December, Stones showcased his physical presence and skill on the field.
Although his loan spell at the National League club was prematurely terminated, Josh Stones made the most of his brief stint, scoring three goals in just four appearances in the fifth tier, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net.
With the departures of Stephen Humphrys, Charlie Wyke, and Josh Magennis, Wigan Athletic may be inclined to search for a new striker in the transfer market. However, the solution to their striking woes could be already present within the team, in the form of Josh Stones, who could potentially fill the vacant number nine position.
Harry McHugh
Wigan Athletic should consider integrating Harry McHugh, a 21-year-old academy graduate, into the first team on a regular basis next season, which could negate the need to sign a new player.
McHugh showed promise last season, making six appearances across all competitions and scoring a goal in the EFL Trophy, demonstrating his versatility and potential.
McHugh joined Scottish Championship side Ayr United in February, where he made 12 appearances, scoring one goal and assisting twice from central midfield.
He was deployed as a left-wing-back for the Latics’ Boxing Day match against Derby County, demonstrating his ability to play in multiple positions, and according to Wigan Today, Maloney has promised the starlet first-team opportunities next season following his recent contract extension.
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