Wigan Athletic winger Dion Rankine could be set for a season-long loan move to Crewe Alexandra, with the League Two side making their interest known ahead of Saturday’s pre-season games.
Rankine, 22, was a notable absentee from Wigan’s 4–2 victory at Accrington Stanley after being given permission to attend Crewe’s home fixture against Birmingham City, where he watched the Railwaymen earn an emphatic 4–0 win.
Crewe are said to be leading the race for Rankine’s signature, but they are not alone. Burton Albion and Barrow are also monitoring the situation closely, with Wigan reportedly expecting more clubs to show their hand in the coming days.
The London-born wide man, signed from Chelsea last summer, made 26 appearances for Wigan in all competitions during the 2024/25 season, scoring once. Despite flashes of promise, Rankine has found it difficult to fully establish himself under head coach Ryan Lowe, whose system appears unsuited to traditional wingers.
Lowe’s Tactical Shift Forces Reshuffle
Rankine’s omission appears to be part of a wider squad shake-up at the DW Stadium. Lowe has already made five new signings this summer – all in attacking positions – and recently placed Steven Sessegnon on the transfer list, another player whose style doesn’t align with the manager’s preferences.
Speaking earlier in pre-season, Lowe admitted that outgoings were necessary to balance the squad. Rankine, who thrives as a touchline-hugging winger, does not appear to fit within the narrow, structured setup Lowe is favouring for the 2025/26 League One campaign.
If a deal can be agreed on terms, Wigan are understood to be open to loaning Rankine out. A move to Crewe would offer the player a better chance of regular football, while Wigan retain his long-term potential. However, with interest mounting, the final destination remains uncertain.
Writer’s View
Dion Rankine’s potential exit feels like an unfortunate consequence of a tactical mismatch rather than a reflection on his ability. The winger showed flashes of promise during his debut season, but Ryan Lowe’s rigid system leaves little room for wide men to thrive.
A loan move to Crewe makes sense, both in terms of style and opportunity, and could help Rankine rediscover the momentum he built in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Wigan, meanwhile, will be hoping to find a solution that benefits all parties without losing a talented asset permanently.
