Bosun Lawal in: Wigan Athletic's dream XI for next season ft 3 realistic signings | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic will be looking to finish the upcoming 2024/25 League One season in the play-offs after landing an unlikely top-half spot last campaign despite facing the challenges of a transfer embargo and a points deduction.

Shaun Maloney and co have already been busy in the transfer market this summer after completing loan deals for Brentford's Michael Olakigbe and Liverpool starlet Calvin Ramsay.

The Latics have also agreed fresh terms with club legend Callum McManaman as well as senior centre-back Jason Kerr, while the club are likely to eventually reap the financial rewards of Sam Tickle's new long-term deal.

As the Greater Manchester outfit look to push for a top-six finish, this could be their dream starting XI next season, based on a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Goalkeeper: Sam Tickle

Last season was Sam Tickle's first full campaign between the sticks for the Latics, but he has already established himself as a top-class shot-stopper who has represented the England Under-21s and attracted transfer interest from Premier League side Everton, as per The Athletic.

Given his international youth football accolades, it is no surprise that high-calibre suitors are vying for Tickle's signature, but he appears likely to stay at the Brick Community Stadium for another season after signing a long-term deal back in May, keeping him in WN5 until 2028.

The 22-year-old kept 15 clean sheets in League One last season and Maloney's men could be on course for a successful 2024/25 if he continues to perform at such a high level, or even improves his game further.

Right-back: Calvin Ramsay

Calvin Ramsay struggled to make an impact during loan spells last campaign at two of Latics' local rivals, Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End, who he will be determined to prove wrong by performing well for Maloney's men.

The Wigan faithful should be excited by his addition to the squad, as the Liverpool man has serious pedigree, with a Champions League appearance to his name for the Reds.

Ramsay also has a senior Scotland cap, while his versatility will be a useful tool for the Latics as he has the ability to play on either side of the back four.

Centre-back: Charlie Hughes

Similarly to Tickle, Charlie Hughes is one of the hottest young prospects in League One and has consistently made appearances for the England Men's Euro Elite Squad, formerly known as the under-20s, in recent months.

At just 20 years old, Hughes already boasts serious leadership credentials and even wore the captain's armband for the Latics during an FA Cup third round tie with eventual champions Manchester United.

The Latics academy graduate is solid defensively, having won 210 duels last campaign according to FotMob, but he is also key to Maloney's style of possession-based football, having maintained a pass accuracy of 82.9% during the 2023/24 League One season.

Wigan will be delighted that Hughes' current contract runs until 2028, while Premier League trio Ipswich Town, West Ham United, and Brentford are tracking his progress, according to The i.

Centre-back: Jason Kerr

Despite the arrival of new signings, perhaps the best piece of business the Latics have completed this summer so far was retaining the services of Kerr, who could have left the Brick Community Stadium as a free agent if it wasn't for a recently signed new contract.

Although Kerr has experienced significant injury struggles after signing for the Latics ahead of the title-winning 2021/22 League One season, he has shown his quality and can be a key asset for his side.

During 14 third-tier appearances and 10 starts last season, the 27-year-old won 66.7% of duels, as per FotMob, while he also scored the winner during a 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient back in March.

If the Scotsman can stay fit for a full campaign, he could be one of the finest central defenders in League One and could help lead the Latics' play-off challenge.

Left-back Steven Sessegnon

Steven Sessegnon is a versatile defender who can play as either a left-back or a right-back, but the recent arrival of Ramsay, coupled with the departure of Tom Pearce is likely to see him deployed on the left side of Maloney's back four.

After spending three seasons on loan from previous parent club Fulham in the EFL with Bristol City, Plymouth Argyle, and Charlton Athletic, the 24-year-old joined the Latics permanently ahead of the 2023/24 season.

During his first campaign with the Greater Manchester side, Sessegnon made 26 appearances and 21 starts in an injury-affected season but was still able to show his qualities on the ball as well as his defensive capabilities.

The screamer he scored against Exeter City in the first round of the FA Cup was the full-back's most memorable contribution for the Latics to date.

Central midfield: Bosun Lawal

The Latics squad already boasts strength in depth when it comes to the middle of the park, including academy graduates Baba Adeeko and Scott Smith, as well as former Arsenal man Matt Smith.

But Celtic starlet Bosun Lawal could add even more quality to Maloney's side, while his positive loan spell at Fleetwood Town last campaign should tempt the Latics boss to use his links to the Scottish giants, who he formerly played for, to bring the 21-year-old to the Brick Community stadium.

There are reportedly Championship suitors but a loan move to Wigan, where other young players are flourishing, could make a lot of sense.

During his time with the Lancashire outfit, Lawal proved that he can play in both defence and midfield, scoring six goals and creating two assists in the process.

Somewhat ironically, the Irish youth international will be highly regarded by the Wigan fanbase after he scored a brace against the Latics during a 4-2 win for his former loan club back in March.

Central midfield: Matt Smith

After signing with the Latics last summer, Matt Smith was sidelined by an injury from September until January but he was still able to prove integral to his side's playing style.

When at his very best, the 23-year-old acts as a metronome for Maloney's men, as he maintained a high pass accuracy of 89.8% last campaign, as per FotMob.

Smith's solitary goal last season came during a 1-0 win for his side away at Shrewsbury Town in February, and if he can add more goals to his game, he could earn a status as one of League One's best midfielders.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Thelo Aasgaard

After becoming a first-team player during a 2020/21 League One season in which the Latics were troubled by administration, Thelo Aasgaard has long since been a fan favourite at the Latics.

The Norway youth international has the ability to consistently score from outside the box and has scored some stunners over the last few years, but last season he was the most clinical he has ever been.

Aasgaard established his new-found poacher-like tendency to score more goals from inside the box during a 2023/24 season in which he scored eight goals and provided a further three assists in League One.

If the Latics youth academy graduate can continue improving in front of goal, then he could have a very exciting season in store next campaign.

Right-wing: Michael Olakigbe

Brentford wideman Michael Olakigbe could be a strong signing for the Latics despite the fact that he only made five appearances when on loan at Peterborough United during a loan spell last season.

The 20-year-old made eight Premier League outings for the Bees last campaign, while Maloney's heavy focus on youth could ensure that Olakigbe will be a success with the Latics.

Left-wing: Sam Hoskins

Northampton Town ace Sam Hoskins is under contract with the Cobblers until 2026 but could be fantastic addiiotn for Maloney and co should they opt to bring him to the Brick Community Stadium this summer.

The 31-year-old had a dangerous eye for goal when his side were in League Two, scoring 13 goals during the 2021/2022 season, before scoring 22 fourth tier goals as the Cobblers won promotion to League One in 2022/23.

He then went on to show his class in front of goal in the third tier last season, as he scored 15 goals for Jon Brady's men, so he could be an adequate replacement for Stephen Humphrys, who recently departed the Latics after finishing the 2023/24 season as the club's top goalscorer in League One.

Striker: Will Evans

In addition to the departure of Humprhys, out-and-out strikers Charlie Wyke and Josh Magennis also left the Latics following the expiration of their respective contracts.

Will Evans could be an ideal signing, after establishing some serious form with League Two side Newport County last campaign, and though the Welsh club turned down offers in January, with just a year left on his contract, they may not be able to hold their resolve this summer.

The Welshman scored 21 league goals for the Exiles last season, as well as a further four goals scored in the EFL Trophy, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

Evans most notably scored during Newport's dramatic 4-2 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, a goal which arguably proves he can perform against high-level opponents, so he could be ready for the step up to League One.