This summer is one of the most important in Wigan Athletic’s 91 year history. After one of the most tumultuous season’s in living memory both on and off the pitch it is absolutely vital that the club change their staff structure, their budgets and of course their recruiting processes and playing squad in order to truly begin this new era in the correct way.
This time last summer I spoke about the importance of lowering the average age and increasing the sell on value of the squad in order to make the club more sustainable from a financial perspective. Signing players who still have room for development also creates an exciting atmosphere around the club and means that, in theory, we improve year after year.
There are enough experienced heads around the club despite what is set to be a mass clear out this summer, so my focus is on identifying and highlighting some of the most realistic and sensible transfer targets Latics could take a look at in the transfer window. All of the options fit a much smaller wage structure that the club will be operating with, and the majority are free agents or loans.
To get an idea of my thoughts about the 2022/23 squad check out my squad review articles I posted earlier on this month. There you’ll also find a rough estimate on the money I’m expecting us to free up and spend in League One. I’d suggest taking a look at those first before coming back to this and the other sensible transfers articles!
Before we start, a few disclaimers!
All of my sensible transfers articles have been planned, researched and written prior to the club releasing their retained list ahead of the 2023/24 season so are all subject to change.
These articles are written under the assumption that off field matters are resolved in good time and no more issues are on the horizon. The club has accepted a four point penalty at the start of next season but should that become eight points I’d imagine several players on my shortlists will become unavailable.
The wages, contract length and transfer value have all been taken from Transfermarkt which is a reliable but not necessarily 100% accurate website so don’t take those figures as gospel.
And last but not least, these are JUST opinions. I’m not pretending to be a recruitment expert, these are just some suggestions that I like the look of!
Current Options and Profiles
As you’ll know if you’ve read my squad review articles there are four centre backs I’d like Latics to keep hold of next season; Jack Whatmough, Charlie Hughes and Jason Kerr. That trio makes an extremely secure back three and I’m also keen for us to sign Martin Kelly on a cheap permanent contract to provide a quality rotation option and priceless off field experience.
Whatmough is the only one I’d say fits in as a central CB in a back three, whilst the others are all best on the right of the back line. This means there is an obvious lack of depth on the left of the back three, in particular a natural left footed player to replace and improve on the outgoing Curtis Tilt. It would also be preferable to sign another player comfortable in the middle of the back three to replace Steven Caulker who will leave the club at the end of his contract.
Assuming we don’t sell anyone the money we’ve saved by releasing Tilt, Nyambe, Rekik and Caulker is roughly £26k a week. We’re spending around £11k a week on Whatmough, Hughes and Kerr, plus whatever Kelly could sign for which I’d guess would be around the £5k mark. That leaves us a decent chunk of money to invest in a couple of quality options.
However, I’m conscious that Whatmough, Hughes and Kerr may well attract interest from clubs this summer so I’ll also be discussing a succession plan for the first team should we lose one of them. The same goes for if we don’t end up resigning Martin Kelly, I’ve got a few options that could provide nice depth at RCB too.
That being said, my main focus is on a quality LCB to slot right into the first team squad and provide variation to the options we already have. I want players who defend the box well and are dominant in 1v1 duels. Aerial ability isn’t imperative but preferred, whilst they also have to be good in possession and capable of progressing the ball with passes and runs.
That’s the skillset I’m looking for. It is unlikely a club at our level will be able to attract a player who possesses all of those attributes but these are some of the best and most realistic options out there…
Option One – Lewis Gibson
Team: Everton
Wages: £5k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: One of my top targets for this season across all positions. Lewis Gibson has shone on loan at Bristol Rovers and is comfortably good enough to start week in week out at the top end of League One. Whilst that’s not necessarily where I expect us to be it’s these kind of players we need to be trying to sign in order to develop as a club, both on and off the pitch. Left footed CBs are a premium as it is so to have the chance to get a quality one in for free isn’t something we should pass up, especially as he’s a local lad. As the wonderful graphic (designed by @AnalyticsWBA on twitter) shows he’s above average in several important metrics such as defensive duels won %, passing accuracy and ball progression. He’s not particularly strong aerially but that’s one of the only blemishes on an otherwise excellent report. Wage wise he’d be very affordable and I believe if he develops, which at 22 I’m sure he will, we could have a seven-figure player on our hands down the line should we sign him.
Option Two – Jon Mellish
Team: Carlisle
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Perhaps an unrecognisable name for a few of you, as he was for me before I started researching LCBs in the EFL, is Carlisle’s Jon Mellish. The 25 year old has been at Brunton Park since 2019 and has become a fans favourite in Cumbria thanks to a mix of good performances and unwavering passion on the pitch. He’s known as someone who’s willing to push opponents to the limit in more ways than one and I must admit I like those kind of players, and I know most Latics fans do too. The data looks good for him too and show that he’s a real threat going forward too which is something we need our CBs to be better at this season. His passing game isn’t great but part of that is down to the system he’s playing in at Carlisle, but it’s interesting that he likes to progress the ball with dribbling rather than passing. That suggests his technique is good and would be able to adapt to a shorter passing style should he join us. It’s a risky move in the sense that he’s not played in League One before but he’s been a standout in the division below and signing him would make a lot of sense on and off the pitch.
Option Three – Alex Hartridge
Team: Exeter
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: £250k – £350k
Overview: Alex Hartridge has proven in the 2022/23 season that he’s more than capable of playing League One football, and playing it well. It was a bit of an out-there shout by me last summer when I suggested we should be taking a look at him, and whether he would’ve performed in the Championship I guess we’ll never know, but now Latics are back in the third tier he becomes an even more attractive prospect. Unfortunately his contract was extended to 2024 so he would command a fee, but I can’t see it being too much at all given the fact Exeter are very much a selling club. His skillset is wonderfully balanced and whilst he can be prone to a lapse in concentration that’s slowly creeping out of his game which is nice, and expected given his young age. To be above average in so many key metrics last season is impressive and I just think he’d make a very solid LCB in our side. Perhaps Shaun Maloney can call in a favour from former Tics boss Gary Caldwell and we can strike a deal for the talented left sided CB, who also possesses a challenging long throw which is a nice attribute too. The downside is he’d cost money whilst other options are free transfers or loans, but I think he’d be worth it.
Option Four – Ryan Leak
Team: Salford City
Wages: £4k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: £300k – £450k
Overview: Another player who’ll command a fee if we try to sign him is Ryan Leak at Salford City. One of the best defenders in the fourth tier this season as highlighted by the report above, showing he’s above average in all but one of the defensive metrics and all but two of the passing metrics. Leak would bring a composed head to our back line and is similar to Jack Whatmough in many ways, high praise indeed for the 25 year-old. Salford took a slight risk spending money, albeit not much, on him last summer to bring him in from Burton and it’s paid off big time. They probably aren’t in a position where they need to cash in on talent like other League Two clubs might be, but if Leak is available for around £300-400k I think he’d be a smart pick up. Perhaps not a signing to make early in the window but if we get good money for other players in our squad he could be a nice option to bring in with that cash. The ideal profile for what I’m looking for, just a shame our mismanagement in the board room means paying fees seem unlikely this summer.
Option Five – Romoney Crichlow-Noble
Team: Huddersfield Town
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Another youngster who has shone in League Two this season, this is absolutely the kind of player we should be looking to sign now. The ‘he’s not played at this level’ argument isn’t one I’ll be paying much attention too moving forward as it limits us from exciting players like this one. Romoney Crichlow-Noble has been colossal at the back for Mark Hughes’ Bradford this season and is a League One quality player playing in the league below. His parent club Huddersfield survived in the Championship which may spell the end for his time there as I’m not sure he’s that good yet, but on a free transfer he’d be a lovely pick up in League One. A nice mix of athleticism and technical ability gives RCN a really impressive skillset and considering he’s only 23 there’s still so much room to grow, especially alongside some of the CBs we’ve got at the club. Recovery pace is something our back line doesn’t have and if we can get from RCN, as well as his technical ability and defensive IQ I’d be more than happy.
Option Six – Morgan Fox
Team: Stoke City
Wages: £8k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: This one may come as a surprise to people given the age and wage of Morgan Fox but I think there are lots of pros to this move. One of, if not the, best ball progressing CBs in the Championship last season, extremely dominant in his defensive duels and comfortable running with the ball, Fox’s data looks so impressive. He’s played a couple of games at WB too so would bring versatility to the side too, he’s similar to Tom Pearce but much better defensively. Assuming the intention is to keep playing our hybrid LCB/LB player in the back three behind an aggressive LWB someone like Fox would be well suited. Comfortable taking the ball out wide and moving it forward in a variety of ways whilst also providing a solid defensive foundation. The main hinderance with this move is his wage but I’d imagine that would come down a little bit. Won’t be short on offers, maybe from Championship clubs too, but someone I’d seriously consider bringing in if we don’t sign Martin Kelly. He can add the experience and we can also sign a younger LCB to add depth to the back line. If Kelly stays though, maybe not.
Option Seven – Dan Happe
Team: Leyton Orient
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Like Alex Hartridge earlier you might remember Dan Happe from my sensible transfers series last summer. His Leyton Orient side have had a wonderful season and he played a huge part in it for the first half of the campaign, before picking up a long term injury that ruled him out for Orient’s final 20 games. Before that injury he was proving why he’s so highly rated with dominant defensive performances and an accomplished passing game. Data doesn’t make him look amazing but as LCBs go in the EFL there won’t be many better than Happe in a few years time if he stays injury free. That is the main problem though and it’s why I’m not as keen on him as I would be if his fitness wasn’t a concern. It’s also pretty likely he’ll stay at Orient following their promotion, but if terms can’t be agreed between them he’d be a top pick up for a League One side.
Option Eight – Kell Watts
Team: Newcastle United
Wages: £3k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: Loan
Overview: Thought I’d finish with a bit of a throwback pick. Kell Watts is the only player on this list who has a League One winners medal to his name, something of course he achieved with Latics in the 2021/22 season. There was some talk about him returning last season but it never came about and he joined Peterborough United where he’s had a season hampered by injuries. The data above is taken from his spell at Latics and it shows what a good player he was, as well as showing there are undoubtedly better defenders out there too. A cheap loan from Newcastle to fill a hole in our squad could be a pretty sensible plan B/C but I’d expect us to have targets ahead of him in the pecking order.
Conclusion
A lot of good and more importantly cheap options to pick from, plus so many others that I couldn’t fit in. Whilst Ryan Leak and Alex Hartridge are two really good players I fear they might be difficult deals to do simply because we won’t be spending much money this summer and free transfers/loans will be favoured. If funds become available though they’re where I’d spend some of it. Lewis Gibson is my top target but we’ll have competition for his signature. Hopefully he’s keen on staying in the North West because if we sign him that’s the left side of our defence locked down for years. Romoney Crichlow-Noble, Jon Mellish and Dan Happe are all top performers in League Two who could be available for free and their wage requests won’t be too much, allowing us to spend money elsewhere too. Of those I think Happe is the least likely given his affiliation to Leyton Orient, but the other two are really achievable. Morgan Fox is the most expensive option but also the best in terms of current ability, the question is would it be a financially sensible move. 29 years old and a sizeable wage in comparison to the rest, I think the only way we make this move is if Martin Kelly doesn’t come back. He’d be a great signing in League One though. Kell Watts falls into the bracket of back up options who we’d probably sign later in the window if our main targets aren’t picked up but we know there’s a player there. All eight of them are good enough to be first choice but some stand out much more in my opinion.
Contingency Planning
Whilst there aren’t many sellable assets in the Latics squad it is still likely that we’ll receive offers for some players. With that in mind I think it’s important to plan for these potential sales and I’ll be providing a few players I think would make good replacements for any outgoing first team players. I’d like to think this is something our recruitment team already have in place in order to avoid panic buying and erratic decision making.
Charlie Hughes / Jason Kerr replacement
Profile: A wide centre back who is good on the ball and comfortable playing in a possession focused system. Vital that they’re mobile enough to cover wide areas, recovery pace is preferred but not ideal as we don’t play a particularly high line. Good 1v1 defender in wide areas and strong in the air, a set piece threat too if possible. Adaptable enough to be able to manage playing as part of a back 4 too in case Maloney plans on changing systems at some point.
Finances:
If Charlie Hughes is sold I’d estimate between £1.5m to £2.5m. £500k – £800k reinvested.
If Jason Kerr is sold I’d estimate between £750k and £1.5m. £250k – £500k reinvested.
Option One – Regan Poole
Team: Lincoln City
Wages: £3k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Really solid RCB with experience playing three or four at the back. Really strong defensively and a natural full back so very comfortable occupying the hybrid CB/FB roles play. Better on the ball than the data suggests as he plays in a direct Lincoln side, would have no problems adapting to our style. Has announced he’s leaving Sincil Bank to play at a higher level, wouldn’t be surprised if he gets Championship offers. Would only join if Hughes / Kerr leave as he’s too good to not play every week in League One. Former Manchester United youngster so knows the area well, definitely someone worth looking at.
Option Two – Luke Offord
Team: Crewe Alexandra
Wages: £1k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: £200k-£300k
Overview: I’ve been a fan of Offord for a few seasons now and I think it’s time he made a move away from Crewe. So good in possession, well above average in the majority of passing, progression and creative metrics which is something we’ll be asking a lot of with our wide CBs. Defensively very good in League Two, positionally very aware and strong in his duels. Main worry is his lack of aerial threat but less of an issue when playing wide of a back 3. Also has experience in a back 4 too and doesn’t look out of place there providing an aerially dominant CB is alongside him. Wouldn’t cost much and we’d be an attractive club for him, no doubt.
Option Three- Dominic Iorfa
Team: Sheffield Wednesday
Wages: £9k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: If we’re after a more experienced figure Dominic Iorfa could be a nice option. Looks to be leaving Sheffield Wednesday and probably looking for another team in League One for his last spell as a first team player. main attributes are his pace and strength which set him apart from 99% of the other CBs at the level. Plays on the right of a 3 for Wednesday so positionally not a problem, would allow us to play a higher line and rely on his recovery pace, also very capable of overlapping down the right wing thanks to his upbringing as a RB. Probably commands the highest wage of the lot but you pay a premium for his physical attributes and experience.
Option Four – Udoka Godwin-Malife
Team: Forest Green Rovers
Wages: £1.5k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Another player who has spent his career playing at CB, FB and WB which makes him perfect for this role. Decent defender both in terms of ground and air duels, nice passing range and a good ability to carry the ball forward. Not the biggest of CBs but more than capable of handling himself in a physical battle as he’s shown this season. Will be available on a free transfer and could be a smart pick up, even as a back up if neither player leaves too. Not sure he has the ability right now to be a first choice RCB but definitely potential to grow into the role.
Jack Whatmough Replacement:
Profile: Jack Whatmough is irreplaceable but I’m going to give it a good go. We won’t be able to get a player of his ability through the door but we can use the data to show us what he’s good at and try and find players who share his strengths. Composure in possession and extensive passing range are his best assets and he pairs them with excellent reading of the game. Really high defensive IQ and strong in terms of duels, winning well above average in both metrics. Has to be able to marshal a back line and compliment his fellow CB’s skillsets.
Finances:
If Jack Whatmough is sold I’d estimate between £2m-£3m. £750k-£1m reinvested.
Option One – Ryan Astley
Team: Everton
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2023
Estimated Cost: Free Transfer
Overview: Another local-ish lad, Ryan Astley was Accrington’s best performing CB last season and would’ve played more had he not been injured. Still a little bit naïve defensively but that’s to be expected at 21, this is more of a long term signing than one to make an immediate impact. Strong ground duel win rate but lacks a touch of aggression in the air and when throwing himself in front of shots. That being said he’s a goal threat and would help us in our quest to make more from set pieces next season. Passing numbers not worth paying much attention to as Accrington don’t ask much of their CBs on the ball but should be fine in our system. Would benefit hugely learning from the likes of Martin Kelly.
Option Two – Nigel Lonwijk
Team: Wolves
Wages: £2k
Contract: 2025
Estimated Cost: Loan
Overview: Strong and cultured defender who has shone at Plymouth Argyle this season. Started the season unbelievably well but game time became slightly more limited in the run in following some injuries. Probably the most similar to Whatmough stylistically, I watched him play live against Sheffield Wednesday and noticed the similarities then. Composed yet brave in possession, doesn’t always pick the easy pass and wants to get the ball forward whenever he can. Perhaps not the strongest defensively but Plymouth didn’t have to do much of that last season which impacts the data a tad. Would be a really nice signing, assuming he doesn’t return to Plymouth in the Championship.
Option Three – Dynel Simeu
Team: Southampton
Wages: £5k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: Loan
Overview: Really front footed defender whose aggression and bravery are real assets. Not afraid to mark his opponent tightly and go to try and win the ball, although that can sometimes leave him out of position. Would need someone with a bit more mobility alongside him to get the best out of him in that sense. The passing numbers are a result of playing in a direct team but shouldn’t have too many problems playing the Shaun Maloney way, albeit not quite as natural as Whatmough. A real threat in both boxes which we need to add to our game too.
Option Four – Di’Shon Bernard
Team: Manchester United
Wages: £3k
Contract: 2024
Estimated Cost: Loan
Overview: Has been hard done by this season with a lack of game time as his performances have been good. Wonderful in the air so would slot in at the heart of the defence very well, really good positionally and racks up a lot of clearances, interceptions and blocks. Arguably more dominant than Whatmough as a defender. Good technique and passing ability but perhaps not quite as incisive or brave as Whatmough with his choice of recipient. That’s something that could be coached into him though and will be freed up in a more expansive system if we choose to play it. Only concern is whether he’s capable of marshalling the defenders either side of him.
They’re my suggestions, now its over to you! Do you like the sound of any of these players, if so which ones and why! Which players weren’t mentioned that you think should’ve been and why? Feel free to leave any feedback on my twitter account @danwafc03!
Talking Wigan 