James Carragher leaves: 2 players Wigan Athletic should loan out this summer

Latics fans will be hoping that these transactions can set the stage for a successful summer transfer window at Brick Community Stadium. However, in addition to bringing in new players and holding onto the best players in the squad, the Greater Manchester team will also need to let go of some players over the next few weeks and months.

FLW examines two players that Latics ought to consider loaning out this summer:

James Carragher, a Wigan academy graduate and the son of Liverpool star Jamie, made his first team debuts under former manager Leam Richardson in the 2021–2022 season, with three games in the EFL Trophy and one in the EFL Cup.

He made one more appearance for Latics in the EFL Cup the next season before going on loan to National League team Oldham in September 2022. However, an injury ended his stint at Boundary Park, and he only made five appearances in the fifth division.

He was only ever picked once, in the EFL Trophy back in November, by the current manager Shaun Maloney. As a result, he was loaned out to Scottish Championship team Inverness in January.

Carragher produced He has made 20 appearances for the Scottish squad across all competitions, including a starting 11 spot in the play-off final, but it doesn’t appear probable that he will have an immediate impact on the Latics starting lineup.

The 21-year-old would find it difficult to establish himself as a first team regular ahead of either Kerr, who just extended his contract with the squad, or England youth international Charlie Hughes, who may remain at the Brick Community Stadium this summer despite Premier League interest.

Although Carragher is a gifted young defender, Maloney ought to consider loaning him out once more because it seems doubtful that he will be able to earn a starting 11 spot in the face of fierce competition.

It would be better for Carragher’s career at this time if the starlet gained  regular time spent playing in another location.

Another Latics academy alum, Joe Adams has relished loan stints elsewhere after spending the second half of the previous season on loan at League Two Morecambe.

The 20-year-old has never played for the Latics as a senior, therefore it would be best to send him on another loan after his stint with the Shrimps.

The Latics still have the midfield depth to potentially keep Adams out of the starting lineup even with the loss of Liam Shaw, who has rejoined his original club, Celtic.

Local talent Baba Adeeko was almost always present, making 42 League One appearances, while fellow academy graduate Scott Smith truly made his mark on the team last season.

Under Maloney’s direction, Matt Smith, a former player for Arsenal, is a class act in the middle of the park and is essential to the Latics’ possession-based style of play.