- Latics sign forward Joe Hugill on loan from Manchester United
- 20-year-old joins Latics until the end of the 2024/25 campaign
- Hugill spent the second half of last season with Burton Albion
Wigan Athletic has signed exciting forward Joe Hugill on loan from Manchester United, subject to Premier League, EFL, and FA approval.
Hugill, (20), arrives at the Brick Community Stadium as the club’s new number nine, bolstering Latics’ forward options ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The young forward spent his formative years in the North East with both Newcastle United and Sunderland, before joining Manchester United in the summer of 2020.
It didn’t take long for Hugill to make his mark with the Red Devils, as he was quickly promoted to their U23s side despite being aged just 16.
A brace on his debut at Blackburn Rovers set the tone nicely for Hugill, who netted 10 goals in as many starts for the U23s. He was rewarded with a call-up to train with the first-team squad in the 2021 close season.
Only the second Red to score four goals in a single match against Liverpool, Hugill was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning squad in 2022, coming on as a substitute in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
He has trained regularly with the Red Devils’ first team in recent seasons, being named in the matchday squad by Erik ten Hag on four occasions, including in their Emirates FA Cup victory at Wigan Athletic.
After signing a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, Hugill headed to Burton Albion for his first taste of EFL football, scoring on his debut at Pride Park against Derby County. He made 20 appearances for the Brewers, helping them to safety, and impressing with his all-action performances leading the line.
Hugill has spent time with Manchester United’s first team at the start of pre-season, working closely with Premier League all-time great Ruud van Nistelrooy, and scoring in the Red Devils’ 2-0 victory at Rangers last weekend. He will now link up with Latics ahead of their remaining three pre-season fixtures, becoming the club’s seventh signing of the summer.
A hard-working forward with an extraordinary scoring record at youth level, Hugill will be looking to continue his exciting development at the Brick Community Stadium next term.
Hugill said: “I am very delighted to be here. It’s been a long time coming, but I am over the moon to get it done and can’t wait to get started.
“To get the number nine shirt is a massive honour, and I will wear it with pride. Hopefully, I can show what I can do with it.”
Wigan manager Shaun Maloney said: “I am delighted that we’ve managed to sign Joe. He’ll be a great addition to the group, and I am looking forward to working with him.
“He is a hard-working number nine and has been a natural goal-scorer throughout his time at Manchester United. He has a lot of strong attributes, and I am really happy to have him here.”
Sporting director Gregor Rioch added: “We’re really pleased to have brought Joe to our club. I’d like to thank Manchester United for facilitating the move, and we’re looking forward to seeing how Joe performs during his time with us.
“Joe is a talented young player, who will bring a lot of energy and speed to our frontline.“