An opinionated review of the Ins and Outs of the January transfer window for Wigan Athletic.
The club went through a relative amount of change during the January transfer window, with 5 players joining the club, as well as 5 players leaving. I'll speak about all the major movements the club has made, and whether they are the right deal for the club moving forward.
Much Needed Experience
For all the effort put in, it was clear from early on in the season that the squad just didn't have enough leaders and experienced players. Wigan had the 2nd youngest squad in the championship and you could tell, particularly in the back line, whereby 4 of the 5 we're playing their first season at Championship level. Championship and Premier League experience was brought in with the signings of Danny Fox from Nottingham Forest and Anthony Pilkington from Cardiff City. Both players have made clear impacts since signing. Defender Jonas Olsson, who spent 9 years in the Premier League with West Brom, was also brought in on a free but is yet to feature.
Loanees
2 players were also brought to the club on loan towards the end of the window. Striker Leon Clarke was brought in on loan from fellow Championship club Sheffield United, whilst well thought of youngster Beni Baningime joined on loan from Everton. Both players are welcome additions, with Clarke providing a physical presence up top, whilst Beni Baningime can definitely be considered an upgrade on the outgoing Callum Connolly.
Big Deadline Day Departure
By far the biggest bit of transfer news to come out of the club throughout January was the ongoing interest in start striker Will Grigg from League 1 Sunderland. Despite numerous rejected bids, Latics relented by accepting a £3m bid, rising to £4m with add-ons, just before the deadline. Will Grigg will always be a Wigan Athletic legend, but the £3m fee was too good to turn down for someone who has only scored 4 goals this season whilst being in and out of the team. The move does leave Wigan short up top for the rest of the season, but the boardroom will be very happy with the deal, even more so if we stay up without him.
Fringe Player Departures
A number of fringe players also left during January, after making little impact during the first half of the season. Jordan Flores left to Irish side Dundalk, whilst Alex bruce joined Kilmarnock. Leo Da Silva Lopes and James Vaughan both left on loan to League 1 clubs Gillingham and Portsmouth respectively. Callum Connolly also had his season-long loan from Everton cut short so he could join local rivals Bolton Wanderers.All 5 of these departures had little to no impact, and won't necessarily be missed.
In Conclusion, despite the shock departure of Will Grigg, it has been a good window for the club. Much needed experience was brought in to see us through until the end of the season, whilst fringe players we're taken off the wage bill. The Will Grigg deal will look even greater if Wigan manage to stay up, giving the manager much needed funds to improve in the summer after receiving probably around £2m more than what Will Grigg is worth.
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