Wigan Athletic head coach Ryan Lowe has confirmed that three members of his first-team squad are available for loan moves as the club prepares for further transfer business before the September 1 deadline.
Dion Rankine, Josh Robinson and Ronan Darcy have all been told they are free to find game time elsewhere, with Lowe citing tactical fit as the key reason behind the decision.
“There will be a few now who will be going out,” said Lowe. “We’ve told Josh Robinson he can go out and play a few games, because we haven’t seen enough of him. Ronan Darcy can go and play a few games somewhere else, he’s a great lad, the same as Dion Rankine.”
The announcement comes as Wigan continue to reshape their squad following a busy summer in the transfer market. Lowe has brought in eight new signings so far, and says the focus is now on maintaining balance and trimming players who are unlikely to play a central role in the coming months.
Playing Style the Deciding Factor
All three players were signed in the early months of 2025—Robinson arriving from Arsenal, Darcy from Crawley Town, and Rankine previously on loan at Exeter City—but none have managed to establish themselves in Lowe’s tactical framework.
“With Dion, I think he wants to play more as a winger than a wing-back,” Lowe explained. “Josh is more of a right-back, whereas we’re looking for someone who can play wing-back. And Darce is a No.10, which unfortunately I’m not going to be playing with this season.”
Despite praising their professionalism and attitude in training, Lowe was clear that their profiles do not align with his system. “They are all good players and good kids, and I’m sure there will be clubs who would like to take them on loan.”
Wigan Continue to Reshape Under Lowe
Having taken the reins in April, Lowe has overseen an aggressive rebuild at the DW Stadium. The club’s new ownership has backed him heavily in the transfer market, but the manager is now tasked with balancing the wage bill and ensuring every squad member fits the club’s playing philosophy.
“Everyone else is part of my plans, unless they tell me otherwise,” said Lowe. “We just want a competitive squad, and we’ve certainly got that when everyone is fit.”
Writer’s View
Ryan Lowe’s decision to allow Rankine, Robinson and Darcy to leave reflects a focused approach to squad building at Wigan. Rather than keep fringe players for depth, the Latics boss is clearly prioritising tactical cohesion and flexibility. With further arrivals possible, these exits could be the start of a broader second phase in Wigan’s summer reshuffle, one that shows a manager in full control of the club’s direction.
