Wigan Athletics are bracing themselves for the anticipated exit of star defender Charlie Hughes.
Huges has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Hull City one of a number of clubs coveting his signature. A bid has now been accepted from an unknown team, meaning Hughes is likely to depart the Latics and join a Championship club.
Speaking after a defeat on penalties against Barnsley in the League Cup, Maloney confirmed the reason the 20-year-old was not featured in the squad. “We accepted a bid for him today, so I expect him to be travelling there,” he said.
“I expect him to sign for that club tomorrow. The way that we sort of work it, our owner has been brilliant, we are obviously still picking up the pieces over the last 18 months, so a lot of that fee will also go back to the club.
“But they will give us a percentage to put back in the squad. It’s not going to be massive amounts, but if it’s the right person, we can try and bring them to the club.”
Hughes came through the youth ranks at Manchester City and Liverpool but slipped through the cracks and ended up part of Wigan’s youth setup. He ascended to the senior squad in 2022 and has since made four appearances for England at the Under 20 level.
The Wigan-born player has been a key figure for the Latics’ first team for several seasons, making 75 appearances for the club since his debut. He signed a five-year contract last summer, promising head coach Shaun Maloney to describe the defender as “outstanding” and a “dedicated young man” with a “brilliant character”.
It is widely believed that a deal has been struck with Hull City. They recently lost key man Jacob Greaves to Premier League side Ipswich, but they will be looking to go one better than last season under new boss Tim Walter. To do that, they’ll need to replace Greaves quickly, with Hughes potentially the man to do that.
Writer’s View
This will be a huge blow to Wigan. Hughes has stood out for them, and at 20, he’s still young. He might not have made it at Liverpool or Manchester City, but if he recreates his Wigan form in the Championship, those clubs are sure to be taking a look, amongst others.
Wigan are still dogged by those financial issues, and whilst they’re free of the worst of it, much of the transfer fee will be gobbled up. However, Shaun Maloney will get a small amount to strengthen his squad, and that can only be good news. They did phenomenally well to shake of their points deduction last season, and a small war chest will help them push up the table, even without their star defender.
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