- Latics sign Crawley Town star Ronan Darcy
- The 24-year-old joins on a two-and-a-half-year deal
- Darcy has made over 150 career appearances and arrives following a successful stay at Crawley Town
Wigan Athletic has signed Ronan Darcy from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee, subject to EFL and FA approval.
Darcy has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Brick Community Stadium, becoming the club’s sixth acquisition in the January transfer window following the arrivals of Josh Robinson, Joe Hungbo, Will Goodwin, Jon Mellish, and Ollie Norburn.
The 24-year-old made his professional breakthrough with Latics’ near-neighbours Bolton Wanderers, having first joined the Whites at the age of nine. The Ormskirk-born midfielder made a total of 35 appearances for the Trotters, winning a Sky Bet League Two promotion medal in that time.
On the back of temporary spells with Norwegian side Sogndal and Queen’s Park in the Scottish League One, Darcy made a permanent move to Swindon Town in the summer of 2022.
He spent a solitary season with the Robins, scoring four goals in 46 matches, with his eye-catching performances leading to Crawley Town acquiring his services in July 2023.
The 2023/24 campaign was one to remember for the playmaker as Darcy helped the Robins return to League One for the first time in 12 years.
The attacking midfielder, who will wear the number 10 shirt, scored six times and provided a further seven assists, coming off the bench in their play-off final victory against Crewe Alexandra at Wembley.
Darcy has continued to be a standout performer for Crawley in the 2024/25 season, assisting five goals in 21 matches.
Following positive conversations with manager Shaun Maloney and sporting director Gregor Rioch, Darcy will return to the North West for the next chapter of his career.
Darcy said: “I am absolutely delighted. This is the next chapter for me, and it’s my opportunity now to show everyone what I can do.
“I’m energetic and very creative. I like to be on the front foot and high-press, and I’m aiming to add a lot more goals and assists to my game. I cannot wait – I’ve not slept much because I’m so excited to get going.”
Maloney said: “We’re excited to welcome Ronan to our football club. He has a strong work ethic and brings valuable skills to the team, especially when we are in possession.
“I am confident that he will be an excellent addition to our squad, and I look forward to helping him integrate into the team.”
Rioch added:“We have had Ronan in our sights for a while and I am delighted we have been able to bring him in on a permanent deal.
“Ronan is an exciting player who we have brought into the football club and I want to thank Crawley for their co-operation.”