Wigan Athletic are exploring the option of bringing back former loanee Kell Watts from Newcastle United for a second spell with the club, according to Paul Kendrick of Wigan Today.
The 23-year-old defender was a key part of the 2021/22 team which saw Wigan regain promotion to the Championship following two years away from the English second division.
Who is Kell Watts?
The 23-year-old defender is a product of the Newcastle academy, working his way through the ranks at the Magpies. Watts has been loaned out every season since his senior career started and has made only one appearance for Newcastle’s first team, featuring as a substitute against Liverpool.
He was first loaned out to Stevenage, where in his first season of professional football, he played 16 games. He also played seven games for Mansfield Town in the same season, gaining valuable experience.
The following season, Watts linked up with League One Plymouth Argyle, where he went on to make 44 appearances for the Pilgrims in the 20/21 season, in a steady campaign in which he helped Argyle to an 18th-place finish.
Wigan Athletic would be his next club, joining for the 2021/22 season. He helped Wigan to achieve the League One title and gain promotion to the Championship, making 26 appearances along the way.
His next loan move was struck down by injuries. He joined Peterborough United for the 22/23 season but only made five appearances for Posh due to injury.
Watts has 12 months left on his current contract with the Magpies.
Will the Latics swoop in?
It has been suggested by Wigan Today that Kell Watts is on Shaun Maloney’s wanted list.
Despite coming through the ranks at Newcastle United, it’s unlikely he will break into the first-team picture anytime soon, which could mean another venture away from the club and possibly, for good.
Writer’s View
In my opinion, Watts should take the opportunity to reunite with Wigan – a club where he has already achieved success, to establish himself as a capable League One defender as well as trying to get a consistent run of games without injuries.
With the vast experience he now has under his belt playing in both the Championship and League One, if Wigan was to get this deal over the line, it would be an excellent bit of business.
