Wigan Athletic are now in a race to sign Charlton Athletic defender Terell Thomas, according to a report from Football Insider.
The Latics are looking to add some new faces to the squad within this window, and the Saint Lucian international is someone the club are now chasing. Thomas has played 20 games for the Addicks so far this season in League One.
Micheal Appleton’s side are already set to lose the defender this summer due to his contract expiring in June. The player leaving the Valley on a free within this window has not been ruled out.
Barnsley also have an interest in the former Reading man, who was without a club after leaving the Royals from July of 2022 until September, when his Charlton decided to sign him. This was the second time that had happened in the career of the centre-back, having previously been released by Crewe Alexandra.
For his nation Saint Lucia, the 28-year-old has made five competitive appearances so far, scoring once and delivering two assists in the process.
Thomas has spent time at Wigan previously, having joined the Latics from Charlton’s u21s back in 2017, but only spent a couple of months at the club before going on loan to Sutton United. He left permanently in July of 2018, joining AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee.
Wigan are currently sitting 18th in League One, and it’s fair to say experience will be valuable for a young side to avoid getting pulled into a relegation battle. The Addicks defender can offer that and more, as well as the ability to play anywhere across the back four.
Neill Collins will feel confident his side can get a deal done due to their league position, with Barnsley being able to potentially offer the defender a route to the Championship through promotion. They currently sit 6th in the table, nine points off the league leaders Portsmouth. That could indeed attract the defender, and Wigan may need to up their interest in order to gain his services.
Charlton face a battle against Burton Albion away from home on Saturday, where the defender will be hoping to get the better of the Brewers’ new boy Joe Hugill, on loan from Manchester United.
Writer’s View
Thomas would provide experience to a Wigan side who desperately need it, and possibly secure them their status in this league ahead of next season. It’s a transfer the Latics should be pushing to get over the line but will face huge competition given the prospects Barnsley can offer the defender this season.
With over 226 career appearances across the National League, League One and the Championship, it will be a smart signing for either club.
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