Wigan Athletic are making bids for “three or four” players, Maloney reveals

Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney said “three or four” player offers have been made and more are expected to follow.

Wigan Athletic are looking to build on a solid first full campaign under Maloney.

The Latics were in a difficult position at the start of the season with their points, but a summer takeover allowed them to bring in new recruits. Those combined with some existing players and new academy stars have helped Wigan become a much better side than their final league standings would suggest.

After starting with minus eight points, Wigan Athletic finished 12th in League One. Without their deduction, they would have finished 10th and just six points off the top six.

It has led to high hopes for next season and work on new signings is already underway.

Speaking to Wigan Today, Latics boss Maloney revealed offers had been made for “three or four players”. They’re not slowing down either, with the same number expected this week.

The manager said:

“I don’t want to shout it from the rooftops but we already have three or four offers for players and I expect the same amount this week.

“The holidays haven’t started yet for me or our head of recruitment, I want to get things done as quickly as possible because the pre-season is fully booked, and it’s been a few weeks.

“I want as many of the new signings with us as possible on the first day of pre-season training here with us. It’s hard work, but maybe we can rest when we get a few faces through the door.”

Maloney added that with the right recruitment and his own tactical development, Wigan Athletic can achieve ‘something special’ next season.

A proactive approach

Some clubs may take time to rest immediately after the end of the season before starting recruitment work. However, Wigan Athletic certainly don’t.

The proactive approach of Maloney and the recruitment team at the DW Stadium can hopefully give them the best chance to start next season on a high.

Bringing in new players early gives them plenty of time to settle and work with their new manager and teammates. Not only that, but perhaps it assures them that they beat rivals in pursuit of wanted players.

Early business puts Wigan Athletic in a good place so hopefully deals can be done in the near future.

Wigan Athletic will be another season and another stronger transfer window will come at the start of the new campaign. Given some of the strides they’ve made over the last year, you have to think this at least puts them in the playoff conversation.

Of course, time will tell exactly what the coming months bring.

Surprise transfer collapses cannot be predicted and big assets such as Charlie Hughes and Sam Tickle could be snapped up by clubs higher up the league. This especially would damage promotion hopes.

Still, Maloney is confident, and rightfully so. The Latics enter this summer in a good place and their positive approach to recruitment should put them in an even stronger place from the start of the 2024/25 campaign.