Wigan Athletic has officially announced the season-long loan of Michael Olakigbe, a young player from Brentford, as their first summer addition.
After signing a temporary contract from Brentford, the winger says he was drawn to Wigan Athletic by the “sound of the project they are building.” His signing is valid until the end of the 2024–2025 season, subject to approval from the EFL, FA and Premier League.
Born in London, Olakigbe attended the Queens Park Rangers academy. In the summer of 2022, he moved to Brentford from Fulham. In just 27 appearances for the young team, he helped Brentford B win the Premier League Cup.
The 20-year-old, who made his senior debut against Newport County in the Carabao Cup in September, recently pledged his future to the Premier League team until the summer of 2028. He has already appeared in 12 games for the team.
“I recently met the manager and sporting director, and I really liked the sound of the project they are building at Wigan Athletic,” Olakigbe stated in response to his move.
“It is really important to me to advance my career because the way Wigan plays is exactly the type of game that fits my style.
“Last season, I faced Wigan, and I was impressed by their exciting brand of attacking football. I’m excited to get started in preseason with the team.
“The fans are incredibly passionate and the club has a great history.” Next season, I can’t wait to perform in front of them.
“Michael is a talented winger who can play off both the left and right side,” Latics manager Shaun Maloney continued.
He wants to play attacking football and is very direct, so he will fit right in with our team and our style of play.
“I’m happy to report that Michael was signed.” He not only possesses every attacking player trait we value, but he also has a strong desire to win with us and
I’m excited to collaborate with him.
In June, the young player will report to the Latics preseason roster.
