Wigan Athletic, alongside another unnamed team, have submitted a bid for former Swansea City star and current Blackpool striker Kyle Joseph, according to journalist Pete O’Rouke.
The 22-year-old is reportedly looking to move away from Blackpool amid frustration over his minutes. One team interested in his services is Shaun Maloney’s Wigan, who are looking to improve on their 12th-placed finish in League One from last season. The Latics have placed a bid for the Scotsman, although the figure is currently unknown.
Joseph started his career at Wigan, where he broke into the first team before joining Welsh outfit Swansea City in the summer of 2021 for a reported £500,000. He has since experienced loan spells at both Cheltenham Town and Oxford United, playing over 50 times in League One for the two clubs and scoring 13 goals in the process.
The young striker had made his Championship debut for the Swans. However, he failed to impress during his 10 substitute appearances, before subsequently being loaned out to then-League One side Oxford as previously mentioned. Joseph eventually made the step down to League One permanently, joining Blackpool in the summer transfer window in 2023. The centre-forward has since made over 30 appearances for the Seasiders but has only managed to score two goals in all competitions since making the move North.
Wigan are looking to strengthen their forward options, with top-scorer Stephen Humphrys, alongside frontman Charlie Wyke, both departing the clubs at the end of their contracts and loanees Charlie Kelman and Martial Godo returning to their parent clubs.
Maloney’s side finished 12th last season on 62 points, despite an eight-point deduction handed to them by the EFL for failing to pay wages. The club’s new owners and manager Maloney have seemingly stabilised what was a sinking ship after relegation to the third tier from the Championship in 2023.
After being saved from liquidation, Wigan now look to push on from their mid-table finish, bringing in attacking options already in this window. Youngster Dion Rakine has joined from Premier League side Chelsea, alongside Brentford and Liverpool loanees Michael Olakigbe and Calvin Ramsay.
Writer’s View
Although Joseph’s move to Blackpool hasn’t gone to plan, he is still a player who is more than capable of scoring goals in League One, as seen through his record in previous loan spells when he was on the books at Swansea City. Wigan’s transfer business so far has been expected, as new recruits are needed to replace departing players. Bringing back Joseph could be a win-win for everyone involved. The Scotsman is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time and this could play a huge part in the deal.
The Latics would be gaining a player they know can score goals at this level, whilst Blackpool will receive a bit of compensation and get him off the wage bill. With the Seasiders also bringing in the likes of Ashley Fletcher and acquiring Jordan Rhodes on a permanent basis, the 22-year-old’s minutes are only going to dwindle further.
