Wigan Athletic are set to allow Tom Pearce and Scott Smith to leave the club on loan this window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Latics are trying to sort out their squad so that they are fit for what will be a big league campaign for them.
Boss Leam Richardson won’t want the team to return straight to Ligue 1 and will need to ensure his side are fully prepared.
That could mean shipping some players who don’t necessarily have guaranteed playing time to DW Stadium this campaign and it looks like Smith and Pearce fit that bill.
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The former of the two is yet to feature for the Championship side this campaign and has only made nine appearances for the Latics in his career so far. For the midfielder to get more regular minutes, a loan deal might be the best bet.
As for Pearce, he has been much more of a first-team feature since joining the club in 2019. He made a total of 65 appearances for Wigan with one goal and featured quite often for the side during their season. promotion to the League. One last time.
However, with only one appearance to his name in the second tier so far this season, he too could benefit from a short-term timeout and that seems to be the plan for both players. Wigan could then buy their names on a possible short-term deal – but it is not yet clear where they will end this window.
The verdict
Wigan sending both players out on loan could be smart by boss Leam Richardson as it would mean two of their brightest young talents could feature in frequent competitive action.
Tom Pearce being allowed to leave is more surprising considering he spent a lot of time in and around the first team picture. The defender was a squad option last season and impressed when called up, but with the team now one division higher, there might not be enough playing time for the full-back.
As for Smith, the departure from midfield is equally surprising when you consider the midfield options Wigan have. They would like a few more options in that position to come in through the door rather than out, but perhaps Smith’s departure on loan suggests the club may have a move planned.
Either way, it looks like the two will be playing their football elsewhere this season.
