Ekpiteta in, Adams out: The dream start to Wigan Athletic's summer transfer window | OneFootball

Following a solid 2023/24 League One season in which Wigan Athletic secured a top-half finish despite beginning the season on -8 following a points deduction, and being subject to a transfer embargo for two consecutive windows, the Latics can look ahead to a summer in which they are free to buy players ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Shaun Maloney's side look set for a summer of sensible business due to owner Mike Danson's sustainability ethos following the club's turbulent spells under the financial mismanagement of the last two ownership groups.

On Friday 10th March, the club announced its retained list which will give supporters a clearer idea of which areas of the pitch the Latics may strengthen over the course of the summer.

The Latics also announced that club captain Josh Magennis, former Bradford City forward Charlie Wyke, Stephen Humphrys, Tom Pearce and shot-stopper Ben Amos are leaving the Brick Community Stadium following the expiration of their respective contracts.

Meanwhile, loanees Luke Chambers, Martial Godo, Charlie Goode, Charlie Kelman, Liam Morrison, Liam Shaw and Kell Watts are all returning to their parent clubs.

Now that the club have sorted the majority of their internal contract negotiations, these deals would be the dream start to the summer transfer window:

In: Marvin Ekpiteta

Defender Marvin Ekpiteta was recently released by Blackpool at the end of his contract at Bloomfield Road, and the 28-year-old could be a great addition for the Latics.

The Greater Manchester outfit are in need of a new centre-back following the departure of loanees Goode, Morrison and Watts, while his experience would be a real asset to Maloney's youthful squad.

Furthermore, starlet Charlie Hughes has performed so well in Latics colours that he has won caps for the England Men's Elite squad (formerly the under 20s), and has been subject to transfer interest from Ipswich Town and West Ham.

In the event that Hughes leaves Wigan this summer, signing a quality defender such as Ekpiteta would become even more necessary for Maloney, while his strong pass accuracy could make him an ideal centre-half for a side who play out from the back.

Out: Joe Adams

Latics academy graduate Joe Adams has not played first team football for the Greater Manchester outfit yet, but impressed during a loan spell with League Two Morecambe during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, as he made 21 appearances and 17 starts for the Shrimps, scoring two goals.

Given the 19-year-old's talent, the Latics will want to keep Adams in the long-term, but another loan spell during the 2024/25 season could be the best thing for his career at this stage.

Maloney's side are strong in central midfield due to the presence of former Arsenal man Matt Smith, as well as academy products Scott Smith and Baba Adeeko.

At this point in Adams' career, it is best for him to play as much first team football as possible, so perhaps a season-long loan spell, after he impressed during a six-month stint with the Shrimps, could be ideal for the teenager.