Latics sign Chelsea and England defender on season loan.
You may be forgiven for thinking this was written two years ago, but Latics have today announced the signing of Chelsea and England defender Reece James.
The 18-year-old scooped the Chelsea Academy Player of the Year last season and the summer previous helped England claim a Toulon Tournament and Euro U19s double. He was the Chelsea skipper as they won the League Cup with a 7-1 aggregate win over Arsenal and featured in the Check-a-trade Trophy where he scored the winning goal against Exeter.
Speaking about James’ acquisition, Latics boss Paul Cook said: “Reece is a really exciting young player and we are delighted to get him here to Wigan Athletic for his first loan away from Chelsea. “In my time with the club, right back is an area we have been short at times and competition is really healthy for the squad. To get Reece in to compete in that area is good for us.”
Reece replaces his namesake who left the club in the off season.