[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic have confirmed the signing of Australian midfielder Tyrese Francois on a two-year deal after he left Fulham.

Francois, who turned 24 this week, came through the ranks at Craven Cottage and made his professional debut in the 2019-20 season.

After time on loan at Danish club Vejle Boldklub last season, he left Fulham this summer but is excited about his "next chapter".

“I am very happy to be here, and I can’t wait to get started," he said.

"It was a massive decision, but it’s the next chapter. I need to play games and show what I can do, and this is the perfect step for me.

“I’m not the biggest in size so I pride myself on being technically good. I like the ball at my feet but to run and put my heart on my sleeve. I will do as much as I can for the team. Hopefully, I can excite the fans and bring positive results."

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic have signed defender Toby Sibbick from Scottish Premiership side Hearts on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old came through AFC Wimbledon's academy and went onto make 38 appearances for the Dons before joining Barnsley in 2019.

Having turned out 56 times for the Tykes, he then signed for Hearts in 2022 having initially joined on loan two years previously.

"I am very happy to be here. I am looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get started," Sibbick told the club website., external

"I feel like I've got different qualities, and I can't wait to get on the training pitch and get to know the lads."

Sibbick made 86 appearances for Hearts in two-and-a-half years with the club and helped them to the Europa Conference League in his first season having finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership table.

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic have signed Manchester United striker Joe Hugill on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old ended last season on loan in League One with Burton Albion, where he scored once in 20 appearances.

"He’ll be a great addition to the group, and I am looking forward to working with him," boss Shaun Maloney told the club website, external.

“He is a hard-working number nine and has been a natural goal-scorer throughout his time at Manchester United."

Meanwhile, veteran Latics assistant manager Graham Barrow has stepped down from his role.

The 70-year-old represented the club as a player and then managed them from August 1994 to October 1995 before returning in a coaching capacity between 2009 and 2017.

After spells with Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town he returned to Wigan to work alongside Maloney last year.

In a statement on the club website he said he felt "the time is right to step down", external but that he hoped to remain with Wigan in some capacity.

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic have signed winger Silko Thomas on a season-long loan from Premier League side Leicester City.

London-born Thomas began his career in the Chelsea youth set-up before moving to the Foxes last summer.

The 20-year-old scored five times and provided four assists in 16 appearances for Leicester's under-21s in the Premier League 2 last season.

"It was easy for me to come here knowing the manager [Shaun Maloney] has wanted me for over 18 months," Thomas told Wigan's club website, external.

Thomas is Wigan's eighth summer signing and could feature against Blackburn in pre-season on Saturday.

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic have re-signed Liverpool defender Luke Chambers on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old ended last season on loan with the League One side and scored once in 18 appearances.

He has played four times for the Reds and featured for them in their pre-season tour in United States.

"The style of football that we play is the best step for my development," he told Wigan's website., external

“I love everything about the club - the fans, my team-mates, the manager and the backroom staff - and it was an easy choice.

"It’s a really exciting project for the season and hopefully we can push on for promotion."

[themaclad]

League One Wigan Athletic have signed Nottingham Forest striker Dale Taylor on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international has previously had loan spells in the third tier with Burton and Wycombe.

He could make his debut for the Latics against Birmingham City on Saturday.

"Dale is a talented footballer, who we believe will be a fantastic addition to our squad," Wigan boss Shaun Maloney told the club website.

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Wigan Athletic have re-signed Brighton midfielder Jensen Weir for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old came through the Latics academy and became the club's youngest-ever player when he made his debut aged 15 years and 280 days in November 2017.

He joined Brighton for a fee of around £500,000 in July 2020 when Wigan were in administration to help pay wages.

Weir had loan spells with Cambridge United, Morecambe, Blackpool and Port Vale during his spell with the Seagulls.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jensen back to Wigan Athletic. He’s a player of immense talent and potential, and it’s fantastic to have him return home," boss Shaun Maloney told the club website., external

"Jensen has pushed extremely hard to make this move happen, and we are looking forward to working with him to help him fulfil his talent alongside the team's ambitions."

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic defender James Carragher has signed a new deal to remain with the League One club until the end of the 2026-27 season.

The 21-year-old, who is the son of former England and Liverpool defender Jamie, signed his first professional deal with the club in 2021.

He has since made 19 appearances in all competitions during an injury-hit spell with the club and has also had spells on loan at Oldham Athletic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

"Playing for this club is always a proud moment, and I'm happy to have signed a contract extension," Carragher told the club website, external.

"I came in this pre-season with the aim of getting an achievement like this."

Carragher has had a breakthrough season under boss Shaun Maloney this term, making a total of 13 appearances for the Latics.