Wigan Athletic told to seal "absolute no-brainer" Exeter City signing | OneFootball

FLW's Latics fan pundit identifies a realistic target for the club this summer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Wigan Athletic enjoyed a positive end to the League One season under the tutelage of new boss Ryan Lowe.

The former Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle chief led the Latics to a run of just one defeat from their final 10 league games, a spell which has brought plenty of positivity to The Brick Community Stadium heading into this summer.

However, the Lancashire outfit could still only manage a 15th-placed finish, despite their late improvements.

They haven’t really threatened the play-off positions since their return to the third tier two seasons ago, and that will be something that the club’s hierarchy will be desperately hoping can change next term.

Wigan urged to target Demetri Mitchell from Exeter City

Given the upturn in form that Lowe oversaw in the latter stages of the season, there will be plenty of optimism that, with the opportunity to mould the squad into his image this summer, the Liverpudlian will have Wigan competing at the top end of the division next term.

The 46-year-old is expected to transition the Latics towards the back three formation that has brought him so much success at certain times of his managerial career, and, as a result, it would be no surprise if Wigan’s summer transfer business was conducted with that likely switch in mind.

Teams like Wigan, who have known which league they will be in for some time now, can often get a head start on their summer recruitment, knowing that they don’t face the same level of uncertainty that some other clubs will.

With that in mind, we asked FLW’s resident Latics fan pundit, Corey Bissell, who he would like to see the club go after this summer.

Corey said: “I’d love us to sign Demetri Mitchell. For me, that would be an absolute no-brainer. He’s a top-class left wing-back, with good output over the last few seasons.

“I know he’s spent time out injured, but whenever he came back from injury last season, he seemed to hit the ground running straight away for Exeter.

“His delivery into the box is unbelievable, and with us moving to a back-three formation with wing-backs, Ryan Lowe is going to need more attacking players to play this system.

“I think on a free, he would be a no-brainer and it’s a deal that has to be done, if we can.”

Demetri Mitchell would be a great addition for Wigan

With Lowe seemingly fairly certain on how he wants to set his team up next season, Wigan’s summer recruitment can be planned accordingly.

Given that the former frontman wants to transition towards a system that utilises wing-backs, then a potential move for Exeter’s Mitchell could be a very shrewd piece of business.

The 28-year-old has spent large parts of this season sidelined through injury, but has once again excelled for the Grecians out on the flanks.

The former Manchester United academy graduate has notched four goals and one assist for the Devon outfit this term, having made just 23 appearances.

Although primarily a wing-back by trade, Mitchell has been utilised in a more advanced role by City boss Gary Caldwell at times, and that versatility would be another hugely positive point for Wigan.

When you then throw in the fact that Mitchell could be available on a free transfer this summer, it seems like an opportunity that Wigan can’t afford to pass up.

His injury record is certainly a concern, with the wideman having made just 53 league appearances across his three campaigns at St James’ Park, but if you can get him fit and firing, then he is a fantastic option at League One level.