The 2026/27 summer transfer window has certainly been an eventful one for Wigan Athletic, with the club having to navigate a limited budget, key departures and the need to rebuild a squad capable of competing in League One. While there have been some notable additions and promising young talents brought through the door, questions remain over whether the Latics have done enough to address the weaknesses left by last season’s squad. With the window now approaching its conclusion, it’s time to assess Wigan’s summer business and determine just how successful it has really been.
Max Power – Bradford City – Undisclosed fee
Max Power’s return to Wigan is arguably one of the most significant pieces of business of the summer. The midfielder returned for a third spell at the club, signing a two-year deal after captaining Bradford City during their first season back in League One.
For Wigan, Power brings something the squad has arguably lacked: experience and leadership. He has won League One three times with the Latics and made over 240 appearances for the club, while his time as Bradford captain showed he can still be an influential figure at this level.
Tactically, his versatility is another major benefit. Primarily a central midfielder, Power can also operate in defensive midfield and at right-back, giving Gary Caldwell another reliable option when injuries or suspensions hit.
Most importantly, though, his return adds character and know-how to a relatively youthful squad. With Wigan looking to develop a number of younger players, having someone who understands the club and knows what it takes to win League One could prove invaluable.
Overall, it feels like a very sensible signing, experience, versatility, leadership and proven League One pedigree, all wrapped into a player who already understands what Wigan Athletic is about.
We’re grading this signing as a 8/10.
Connor Barrett – Walsall – Undisclosed fee
Connor Barrett was another smart addition to Wigan’s summer recruitment, arriving from Walsall to bolster the right side of Gary Caldwell’s defence. The 24-year-old had established himself as one of League Two’s standout wing-backs, earning a place in the 2024/25 League Two Team of the Season, before making 33 league appearances and contributing three goals and three assists in his second campaign with the Saddlers.
For Wigan, Barrett provides energy, versatility and genuine competition at right-back/right wing-back. His ability to play higher up the pitch also suits Caldwell’s preferred systems, particularly the 3-4-2-1, where the wing-backs are expected to provide width and contribute going forward. Having come through non-league before establishing himself in the EFL, Barrett also fits the club’s strategy of recruiting players with room to develop rather than simply relying on established names.
The biggest question is whether he can make the step up from League Two to League One seamlessly. However, with Barrett already having demonstrated consistency and an ability to handle regular senior football, this feels like another calculated signing with plenty of upside.
We’re grading this signing as a 7.5/10.
Sonny Perkins – Leyton Orient – Undisclosed fee
Sonny Perkins was brought in to add another attacking option to Gary Caldwell’s squad, arriving from Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal. The 22-year-old can operate across the frontline, predominantly as a right winger but also through the middle or from the left, giving Wigan some useful versatility in attack.
Perkins had already gained valuable League One experience with Orient, making 46 league appearances and scoring four goals after initially joining from Leeds. While his numbers weren’t spectacular, there is clearly a player with potential there, particularly given his previous development at West Ham and Leeds.
For Wigan, the signing represents a bit of a calculated gamble. Perkins is still young enough to develop and has experience at this level, but he’ll need to become more consistent and productive in the final third. His ability to play multiple attacking roles should also prove valuable in Caldwell’s system, particularly with competition for places across the forward line.
Overall, Perkins feels like a signing with plenty of upside. Wigan have invested in a player who already knows League One, but who still has considerable room to develop, and if Caldwell can unlock that potential, this could prove to be one of the more rewarding additions of the window.
We’re grading this signing as a 6/10.
Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen – Dunfermline Athletic – Free transfer
Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen arrived at Wigan as another young, high-potential addition, joining from Dunfermline Athletic on a two-year deal with an option for a further year. The Scotland U21 international has already accumulated 22 caps at that level and arrives with valuable senior experience under his belt.
The 22-year-old centre-back made 43 league appearances for Dunfermline, scoring twice, and established himself as an important part of their defence during his time in Scotland.
For Wigan, Chilokoa-Mullen adds height, physicality and competition at centre-back, while his age means there is still plenty of scope for development. Having previously been part of the Leeds academy, he also fits the club’s growing strategy of identifying younger players who can develop into valuable first-team assets.
The big question is whether he can make the jump from the Scottish Championship to League One, but with his international experience and regular senior football already behind him, this looks like another low-risk, high-upside piece of recruitment from the Latics.
We’re grading this signing as a 7/10.
Akeel Higgins – West Brom – Free transfer (Sell-on Clause included)
Akeel Higgins feels like one of the more intriguing pieces of business Wigan have completed this summer. The 20-year-old forward arrived from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, with the Baggies retaining a sell-on clause that could see them benefit financially if Higgins is sold in the future.
Higgins already has League One experience, having spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Exeter City, where he worked under Gary Caldwell. That existing relationship is particularly important, with Caldwell clearly believing there is plenty more to come from the young forward.
For Wigan, this is a low-risk, high-potential signing. Higgins offers pace and attacking versatility, and at just 20, there is plenty of opportunity for him to develop into a valuable first-team player — or potentially a future asset for the club. The fact Wigan haven’t had to pay an upfront fee makes the deal even more appealing.
The main challenge will be consistency. Higgins showed flashes of quality at Exeter but will now need to translate that potential into regular League One performances. If Caldwell can get the best out of him, Wigan could have picked up a real gem without spending a penny upfront.
We’re grading this signing as a 7.5/10.
Joe Walsh – QPR – (Season-Long Loan)
Following the departure of Sam Tickle to Bristol City, bringing in a new goalkeeper was arguably one of the biggest priorities of Wigan’s summer. The Latics opted for a season-long loan for QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh, giving the 24-year-old an opportunity to continue his development with regular League One football.
Walsh arrives with valuable experience, having spent the majority of his career with QPR and enjoyed several loan spells across the EFL. More importantly, he was QPR’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2025/26 Championship campaign, meaning Wigan have brought in a player who has already demonstrated that he can handle the demands of regular senior football.
For the Latics, this is a signing that makes a lot of sense. Rather than rushing into a permanent replacement for Tickle, Wigan have secured an experienced goalkeeper who can immediately compete at League One level, while allowing Walsh to gain another full season of first-team football.
The obvious downside is that Wigan don’t own the player, meaning there is no long-term asset at the end of the deal. However, given the circumstances surrounding Tickle’s departure, this feels like a sensible short-term solution.
Overall, Walsh looks like a reliable replacement for Tickle and a relatively low-risk loan. The pressure will now be on him to prove that he can make the number one spot his own.
We’re grading this signing as a 6.5/10.
Ryan Trevitt – Brentford – Free transfer
Ryan Trevitt’s return to Wigan was one of the more exciting moves of the summer, with the midfielder making his loan spell from Brentford permanent on a free transfer. The 23-year-old signed a two-year deal after Brentford confirmed his departure at the end of his contract.
Trevitt already knows the club and the demands of League One, having spent the 2025/26 campaign with the Latics. His first spell was frustratingly interrupted by injury, limiting him to 14 appearances, but there were enough flashes of quality to suggest Wigan were keen to see what he could produce with a full, uninterrupted season.
For Wigan, this is a low-risk signing with potentially significant upside. Trevitt is comfortable operating in central midfield and has previous League One experience with Exeter, where he recorded four league goals across 30 appearances. His technical ability and energy could give Caldwell another progressive option in midfield.
The biggest question, understandably, is his fitness. Injuries have disrupted much of Trevitt’s recent development, but Brentford themselves acknowledged that his progress had been hampered by injuries and believed a permanent move would allow him to finally establish himself.
If Trevitt can stay fit and reproduce the form he showed at Exeter, Wigan could have picked up a very talented midfielder without paying a transfer fee. This one could prove to be a real bargain
We’re grading this signing as a 7/10.
Archie Harris – AFC Bournemouth – Free transfer
Archie Harris is another signing that fits neatly into Wigan’s recruitment strategy this summer, with the 21-year-old defender arriving from AFC Bournemouth on a two-year deal.
Harris spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Eastleigh, where he enjoyed an impressive season, making 41 league appearances and providing eight assists. His performances earned him the club’s Young Player of the Year award, while he has also represented Wales at U21 level.
For Wigan, Harris provides competition and versatility in defence, primarily operating at left-back but also capable of playing centrally. That flexibility could prove particularly useful within Caldwell’s system, where defenders are expected to be comfortable contributing both defensively and in possession.
The biggest question is whether Harris can make the step up from the National League to League One, but his regular senior experience and strong 2025/26 campaign suggest there is plenty to work with.
Overall, this is another exciting, low-cost recruitment gamble. Harris has plenty of room to develop, and if he can translate his Eastleigh form to League One, Wigan could have another very useful young asset on their hands.
We’re grading this signing as a 6.5/10.
Finley Burns – Man City – £200k
Finley Burns is arguably one of the more exciting defensive additions of Wigan’s summer window, with the 23-year-old centre-back arriving from Manchester City on a permanent deal. Burns has spent the majority of his career within City’s system, but has gained valuable senior experience through loan spells with Swansea City, Stevenage, Hull City and, most recently, Reading.
Standing at 6’5″, Burns brings a strong physical presence to Wigan’s backline, while his time playing regular League One football with Stevenage and Reading means he already understands the demands of the division. Last season at Reading, he made 32 league appearances, giving him a solid platform to step straight into Caldwell’s squad.
For Wigan, this feels like a statement piece of recruitment. Rather than taking another short-term loan from a Premier League academy, the Latics have secured Burns permanently on a three-year deal, with an option for a further year.
The reported £200,000 fee does represent a significant investment compared to some of Wigan’s other summer additions, but Burns has the profile to justify it. He is still only 23, has plenty of EFL experience and, importantly, has the potential to become a long-term asset for the club.
If Burns can build on his League One experience and establish himself as a consistent starter, this could prove to be one of the smartest investments Wigan have made this summer.
We’re grading this signing as a 6.5/10.
Reggie Walsh – Chelsea – (Season-Long Loan)
Reggie Walsh is arguably one of the most exciting signings of Wigan’s summer, despite arriving on a season-long loan. The 17-year-old midfielder joins from Chelsea having already made a remarkable breakthrough into senior football, making his first-team debut at just 16 years and 193 days old.
Walsh has been highly regarded throughout Chelsea’s academy and was part of the club’s Premier League 2-winning Under-21 side last season. He also featured in the Champions League against Ajax and was involved with Chelsea’s first team during their pre-season tour this summer.
For Wigan, this is a huge opportunity to add genuine quality and creativity to the midfield. Walsh is primarily a midfielder who has often operated in more advanced positions, and his technical ability could give Gary Caldwell another option when breaking down stubborn League One defences.
Of course, there is an element of risk. At just 17, Walsh is still incredibly young and has never experienced a full season of senior football. League One is a completely different environment to academy football and will test him physically and mentally.
However, that’s exactly why this loan makes so much sense. Walsh himself has spoken about needing regular men’s football to continue his development, while Wigan have a reputation for giving young players an opportunity.
If Caldwell can get him regularly involved and Walsh adapts quickly to League One, this could be one of the most exciting loans Wigan have secured in years.
We’re grading this signing as a 9/10.
Charlie Gray – Man City – (Season-Long Loan)
Charlie Gray is another exciting loan addition from a Premier League academy, joining Wigan from Manchester City on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old central midfielder has spent his entire development at City, joining their academy at Under-9 level, and now gets his first taste of regular senior football away from the Etihad.
Gray already has a senior appearance under his belt, making his Manchester City debut as a substitute in their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brentford last December. He was also named City EDS’ Players’ Player of the Season for 2024/25, highlighting the regard in which he is held within their academy.
For Wigan, Gray provides another technically gifted and intelligent option in midfield. He is primarily a holding midfielder but can also operate in a box-to-box role, with his ability to read the game, tackle and intercept standing out as some of his key strengths.
The biggest benefit of this deal is that Gray is coming to Wigan specifically to gain men’s football. He’s never previously been out on loan, so a full League One season should be a huge learning experience and could accelerate his development considerably.
Another very intriguing loan from Wigan. Gray has pedigree, technical ability and plenty of room to grow — if he adapts quickly to the physicality of League One, he could become a very important player for Caldwell this season.
We’re grading this signing as a 6.5/10.
Luke Harris – Fulham – (Season-Long Loan with option to buy)
Luke Harris could prove to be one of the most important attacking additions of Wigan’s summer window. The 21-year-old midfielder arrives from Fulham on a season-long loan with an option to buy, giving the Latics the opportunity to assess him over a full campaign before potentially making the move permanent.
Harris already brings a wealth of EFL experience despite his young age, having enjoyed loan spells with Exeter City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers. He also has previous experience working under Gary Caldwell at Exeter, where Harris has said he played some of his best football.
For Wigan, his arrival is particularly exciting because of the creativity and attacking threat he can offer in the final third. With Harrison Bettoni departing this summer, there was a need for another player capable of operating in the attacking midfield areas, and Harris looks like a natural fit.
The option to buy is arguably the biggest attraction. Wigan aren’t simply developing a player for another club and sending him back next summer, if Harris impresses, there is a pathway to making him a permanent Latics player.
Overall, this feels like an excellent piece of business. Harris has proven EFL experience, knows Caldwell’s methods, still has plenty of potential and, crucially, Wigan have an option to keep him. If he can rediscover his best form at the Brick Community Stadium, this could be one of the window’s standout deals.
Joe Whitworth – Crystal Palace – Free transfer
Joe Whitworth is a very smart addition to Wigan’s goalkeeping department, arriving from Crystal Palace on a free transfer. The 22-year-old already has considerable League One experience, having spent the last two seasons on loan at Exeter City and making 39 league appearances last campaign.
Whitworth also has the added benefit of previously working under Gary Caldwell at Exeter, meaning he already knows the manager’s expectations and methods. His performances have also earned him valuable senior experience, including a spell where he became the youngest goalkeeper in Palace’s history to make a Premier League appearance.
For Wigan, the timing of the deal is particularly interesting. Joe Walsh arrived from QPR as the initial replacement for Sam Tickle, but Whitworth’s arrival now gives Caldwell genuine competition for the number one shirt rather than simply providing cover.
The fact Wigan have secured him without an upfront fee makes this even more appealing, although Palace are reportedly retaining a sell-on clause, protecting their interests should Whitworth develop into a valuable asset.
Overall, this feels like another excellent piece of business. Whitworth is young, experienced at this level, knows Caldwell and still has plenty of room to develop. The battle between him and Walsh for the starting spot could be one of the most interesting selection calls of the season.
Bradley Burrowes – Aston Villa – (Season-Long Loan)
Bradley Burrowes is a very exciting late addition to Wigan’s summer window, arriving from Aston Villa on a season-long loan. The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Villa Park and spent much of pre-season around Unai Emery’s senior squad before making the move to Wigan for regular first-team football.
Burrowes enjoyed an outstanding campaign at youth level last season, scoring 18 goals in 22 appearances, including 12 in Premier League 2. Despite his age, he has already made a Premier League appearance and has experience operating across the forward line, including as a centre-forward, winger and attacking midfielder.
For Wigan, this is a really exciting opportunity to add genuine attacking potential without a significant financial commitment. Burrowes brings pace, versatility and an eye for goal, while his ability to play multiple positions could be particularly useful for Caldwell as the season progresses.
The obvious question is how quickly he can adapt to senior League One football. His youth numbers are impressive, but this will be his biggest test yet, particularly physically and in terms of consistency. However, that’s exactly what makes the loan so valuable, Villa want to see him tested at senior level, while Wigan get the opportunity to benefit from one of their highly-rated youngsters.
Overall, this could be a fantastic deadline-day addition. Burrowes has the potential to be a real difference-maker, and if Caldwell can get him settled quickly, Wigan may have landed one of the more exciting young attackers in League One.
Overall Summary:
Overall, Wigan Athletic’s summer recruitment has been a promising mix of experience, potential and calculated risk. The return of Max Power provides much-needed leadership, while players such as Connor Barrett, Akeel Higgins, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen and Finley Burns add quality and competition across the squad. Meanwhile, the loans of Joe Walsh, Reggie Walsh, Charlie Gray and Luke Harris give Gary Caldwell access to some exciting young talent without huge financial commitment. There are still questions over whether enough proven League One quality has been added, particularly following the departure of key players, but the club have clearly focused on building a younger, more sustainable squad with plenty of room for development. With the majority of deals coming at little or no initial cost, there is plenty to like about Wigan’s business — and now it’s down to Caldwell and his coaching staff to get the best out of it.