With the transfer window in full swing, HITC Sport takes a look at some of the best and the worst of Wigan Athletic's signings.
Wigan manager Warren Joyce
The Best
Antonio Valencia
Joining from Spanish giants Villarreal in 2006, Wigan Athletic acquired the services of Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia during their time in the Premier League. Signing first on loan, Wigan were soon quick to snap up Valencia on a permanent deal after a number of impressive performances. Full of pace and power, Valencia was a massive threat down the right hand side for Wigan, and after three successful years with The Lactics, the Ecuadorian departed for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Arguably one of Wigan's best players during their Premier League years, Antonio Valencia still performs to the highest level to this day.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho speaks with Antonio Valencia
Victor Moses
Joining Wigan from Crystal Palace in 2010, Victor Moses is another pacy player who joined The Lactics during their time in the Premier League. After struggling to cement a place in London, the Nigerian joined Wigan with the hopes of kick-starting his career, and that he did. Scoring 8 goals in 74 appearances for Wigan over the course of two seasons, Moses stood out during his time with The Lactics as one of the most dangerous left-sided players in the Premier League, eventually earning himself a move to Chelsea. Now a vital part of Antonio Conte's side, Moses is still one of the Premier League's best wingers.
Chelsea's Victor Moses
Huge Rodallega
Another Steve Bruce signing was that of striker Huge Rodallega, who joined The Lactics from Mexican side Necaxa. An unknown quantity in English football, the transfer of Rodallega was seen as a risk for Bruce, but ended up being one that paid off enormously. After 112 appearances over three seasons, Rodallega notched 24 Premier League goals for the struggling Wigan side, but will be forever known for scoring the 78th minute header against Stoke City in May 2011, which secured both a win and Wigan's Premier League status for the 2011/12 season.
Wigan's new signing Hugo Rodallega (R)
The Worst
Marlon King
After an impressive 36 goals in 81 appearances for Watford, Wigan Athletic signed striker Marlon King in 2008. However, after 18 appearances and just one goal, King was quickly shipped out on loan to Hull City, and then eventually being let go by the club in 2009.
Wigan's Marlon King (L)
Mauro Boselli
Mauro Boselli stands as a good example of why picking relatively unknown forwards from South America is a potentially risky business. Arriving from Estudiantes in 2010, Boselli made only five Premier League starts for Wigan (15 appearances in total), scoring just one goal for the club. After being shipped out on loans to Genoa, Estudiantes and Palermo, Boselli eventually departed The Lactics for Mexican side Club Leon in 2013.
Wigan's Mauro Boselli
Grant Holt
After guiding Norwich City up through the football league, Wigan Athletic fans were delighted to see the club purchase big centre-forward Grant Holt in 2013. Looking like just the kind of striker they needed to fight their way back into the Premier League, Holt brought with him an excellent scoring record in the lower divisions, and looked like the perfect fit. However, after just 20 appearances, Holt only managed three goals for The Lactics, and ended up being shipped out on consecutive loans to Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town and Wolves. Now plying his trade under Neil Lennon at Hibernian, Holt has to go down as one of Wigan's more disappointing signings.
Grant Holt whilst playing forNorwich City
COMMENTS