Wigan Athletic’s January 2025 Transfer Window Recap
Wigan Athletic made a series of key moves in the January 2025 transfer window, bringing in new faces to strengthen their squad and seeing some players depart for new opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive review of all the action at the club:
Incomings:
- Josh Robinson (Defender)
- Previous Club: Arsenal
- Transfer Date: January 1, 2025
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
- Contract Length: Three-and-a-half years
- Player Profile: Robinson, 21, is a highly-rated central defender known for his aerial ability and composure on the ball. Before joining Wigan, he had a solid youth career at Arsenal and represented England at various youth levels. His arrival is expected to add depth and stability to Wigan’s defense.
- Will Goodwin (Striker)
- Parent Club: Oxford United
- Transfer Date: January 5, 2025
- Loan Duration: Remainder of the season
- Player Profile: The 22-year-old striker joins on loan from Oxford United, where he scored 1 goal in 11 appearances during the first half 2024-2025 season. Goodwin is known for his pace, sharp finishing, and ability to stretch defenses, providing Wigan with another attacking option as they aim to climb up the League One table.
- Jon Mellish (Defender)
- Previous Club: Carlisle United
- Transfer Date: January 11, 2025
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
- Contract Length: Three-and-a-half years
- Player Profile: A versatile defender, Mellish has played over 200 games for Carlisle United, earning a reputation for his leadership and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He adds experience and flexibility to Wigan’s defense and is expected to be a key part of the squad moving forward.
- Joe Hungbo (Winger)
- Previous Club: 1. FC Nürnberg
- Transfer Date: January 13, 2025
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
- Player Profile: Hungbo, 24, is a forward known for his pace and creativity. Before joining Wigan, he had loan spells at Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively. His versatility and attacking prowess are expected to bolster Wigan’s forward line.
- Matteo Spinelli (Goalkeeper)
- Previous Club: Juventus (Youth)
- Transfer Date: January 13, 2025
- Contract Length: Undisclosed
- Player Profile: Spinelli, a promising goalkeeper from Blackpool’s youth academy, joins Wigan’s Academy to provide additional depth behind the first-team keepers. While he hasn’t played professionally yet, his potential is recognised, and the move reflects Wigan’s commitment to developing young talent.
Ronan Darcy (Midfielder)
Ronan Darcy has joined Wigan Athletic from Crawley Town for £350,000 (source: Transfermarkt). The 22-year-old midfielder has made 22 League One appearances this season, with one goal and five assists. A product of Bolton Wanderers’ academy, Darcy is expected to replace Thelo Aasgaard and bring creativity to Wigan’s midfield for the remainder of the campaign.
After a leaked image yesterday, the signing of Crawley player Ronan Darcy has officially been confirmed for an "undisclosed fee"!
— C&C Football Vlogs (@CCFootballVlogs) January 30, 2025
Welcome to Wigan, Ronan! #wafc #ctfc https://t.co/xI3egGNGxs pic.twitter.com/II8HYIuPI7
Is Ronan Darcy the right man to replace Aasgaard? #wafc
— C&C Football Vlogs (@CCFootballVlogs) January 30, 2025
Just over half of Wigan Supporters who took part in our poll reckon that over time Darcy may be a suitable man to replace Aasgaard which, if it works out, would be a result.
Owen Dale (Right Winger)
Parent Club: Oxford United
Player Profile: Owen Dale has joined Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season. The 25-year-old winger has made 11 Championship appearances this season and is known for his pace and creativity. A product of Crewe Alexandra’s academy, Dale has gained experience with spells at Blackpool, Portsmouth, and Oxford. He will look to make an impact as Wigan aim to strengthen their attacking options.
Outgoings:
- Josh Stones (Striker)
- Previous Club: Wigan Athletic
- Transfer Date: January 4, 2025
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
- New Club: York City
- Player Profile: Stones joined Wigan from non-league Guiseley in 2022 but struggled to break into the first team. After loan spells at Oldham Athletic, where he scored 7 goals in 10 appearances, Stones made a permanent move to York City for more regular first-team football.
- Thelo Aasgaard (Attacking Midfielder)
- Previous Club: Wigan Athletic
- Transfer Date: January 28, 2025
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
- New Club: Luton Town
- Player Profile: Aasgaard made 140 appearances for Wigan, contributing 23 goals. His technical ability and creativity were often on display, but after his release clause being met, he moved to Luton Town to seek a new challenge in a struggling Championship side.
TRANSFER CONFIRMED
— C&C Football Vlogs (@CCFootballVlogs) January 28, 2025
Thelo Aasgaard has left Wigan Athletic to join Luton Town for a transfer fee rumoured to be around £3M.
Thelo, you've been a fantastic part of our team, and we wish you all the best in your new adventure.https://t.co/XegwlA9ajw#WAFC #TransferNews… pic.twitter.com/4X31lMXdKM
- Joe Hugill (Striker)
- Previous Club: Manchester United
- Loan Club: Wigan Athletic (July 2024 – January 8, 2025)
- Player Profile: Hugill, a young striker, made – appearances for Wigan, scoring – goal during his loan spell. He was recalled by Manchester United to continue his development, and was subsequently sent to struggling League Two side Carlisle United.
- Michael Olakigbe (Winger)
- Parent Club: Brentford
- Loan Club: Wigan Athletic (May 2024 – January 27, 2025)
- Player Profile: Olakigbe was loaned from Brentford in May 2024 and made 17 appearances for Wigan, providing only 1 goal. His pace and dribbling abilities were evident, but his impact was inconsistent. On January 27, 2025, Brentford decided to recall Olakigbe and subsequently sent them to Chesterfield FC, a League Two side.
Calvin Ramsay (Defender)
Parent Club: Liverpool FC
Player Profile: Ramsay was loaned to Wigan back in the summer window. During his time at Wigan he made 8 appearances.
Conclusion:
Wigan’s January 2025 transfer window has seen the club make several moves to both strengthen and reshape the squad. The additions of Goodwin, Mellish, and Hungbo signal a focus on building a strong, competitive team, while the departures reflect the club’s decision to streamline and focus on players who can make an immediate impact. With these moves, Wigan will hope to improve their fortunes in the second half of the season.
Watch!
Below is our video version of this blog post where we go into more depth about the players and the window.