3 left-backs Wigan Athletic should target as Shaun Maloney makes free agent admission
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Wigan Athletic have had a challenging start to the season and Shaun Maloney is dealing with a shortage of options in some key areas.
Wigan Athletic fans have been calling for a dip into the free transfer market for a new striker after it was confirmed that Josh Stones would be joining National League promotion hopefuls Oldham Athletic.
It leaves Dale Taylor and Joe Hugill as the only senior strikers, but Shaun Maloney’s focus is elsewhere.
Speaking to Wigan Today, the Latics boss said that with Luke Chambers sidelined and Luke Robinson only just coming back from injury, they are looking into the possibility of signing a free agent left-back outside the transfer window.
With that in mind, here are three players Wigan Athletic should consider…
Tyler Blackett
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, there’s still some good free agent left-backs available. Among the pick of the bunch is Tyler Blackett, who has bounced around clubs since his four-year stay at Reading ended in 2020.
The left-back, who can also play as a centre-back, has spent time with Nottingham Forest, FC Cincinnati and Rotherham United.
Wither over 150 Championship appearances to his name, 30-year-old Blackett could be a good option for Wigan Athletic to size up. He’d bring a wealth of experience to Maloney’s young squad.
Declan John
Another solid left-back still without a club is former Bolton Wanderers man Declan John. The 29-year-old has some great pedigree to his name, playing in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two over the years.
He’s a quick player able to operate as a full-back or wing-back on the left and even has seven Wales caps to his name.
Like Blackett, John would be an experienced addition to a young squad at Wigan Athletic and could be a solid player to call upon as cover and competition for Robinson as he works his way back to 100%.
Matthew Bondswell
If Wigan Athletic would rather go for a younger player who could develop into a first-team regular or a potential financial asset, 22-year-old Matthew Bondswell would be one to consider.
It hasn’t come together for him on the senior stage yet, spending time on loan with the likes of FC Dordrecht, Shrewsbury Town and Newport County. However, with spells in the Nottingham Forest, RB Leipzig and Newcastle United academies under his belt, it’s clear there’s a player in Bondswell.
He could be decent cover and competition for Robinson as he looks to forge a career in the senior game after a promising time in youth football.
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