Wigan Athletic fans are in for a whirlwind summer, both on and off the pitch, as the club gears up for significant changes that could shape its future for years to come. From the transfer market buzz surrounding star loanee Joe Taylor to a major shake-up in the club’s kit identity, the Latics are drawing attention across English football for all the right reasons. Let’s dive into the developments that have everyone in Wigan—and beyond—talking.
First up, the transfer saga that’s set to dominate headlines well into the summer: Joe Taylor, the prolific Huddersfield Town forward currently on loan at Wigan Athletic, is making quite the name for himself. Since joining the Latics in the second half of the 2025/26 League One campaign, Taylor has been nothing short of a revelation. In just 15 appearances, he’s found the back of the net nine times, a feat that has not only helped Wigan secure much-needed points but also put the 24-year-old firmly in the shop window for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
Huddersfield Town, Taylor’s parent club, have endured a challenging season of their own. After a promising start, Liam Manning’s side has struggled to keep pace in the race for the League One play-off spots since the turn of the new year. With their divisional status for next season still hanging in the balance, the Terriers’ summer transfer strategy remains uncertain. One thing’s clear, though: Taylor’s contract runs until the summer of 2029, so any suitor will need to make a compelling offer to lure him away.
And there’s no shortage of interest. Ipswich Town and Stoke City are the latest clubs to throw their hats into the ring for Taylor’s signature, joining Preston North End and Oxford United, who have already been linked with the striker. According to Football League World, "Preston North End and Oxford United were keen on striking an agreement with the Terriers ahead of the summer transfer window." With Taylor’s stock rising and his eye for goal sharper than ever, the race for his services is heating up fast.
But it’s not just clubs in League One or the lower reaches of the Championship eyeing Taylor. Derby County, currently mounting an impressive push for a top-six finish in the Championship, could soon be in the market for a striker of Taylor’s calibre. The Rams’ campaign has been buoyed by the performances of Patrick Agyemang, whose ten goals in 36 appearances have kept Derby’s promotion hopes alive. However, Agyemang’s form has not gone unnoticed, with Premier League sides Leeds United and Crystal Palace reportedly circling. If Agyemang were to depart before the 2026/27 season, Derby would need a proven goal-getter—and Taylor, with his recent exploits at Wigan and prior Championship experience with Luton Town, fits the bill perfectly.
Derby fans have every reason to be optimistic, but also a little anxious. The potential loss of Agyemang would be a blow, but Taylor’s arrival could soften it considerably. As Football League World notes, "If Taylor can continue to score goals regularly whilst with Wigan in his loan spell, then he'll continue to attract interest from other clubs higher up the football pyramid." The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Derby can hold onto their star or if Taylor will be tasked with leading the line at Pride Park.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the Championship table, Portsmouth are facing a different kind of pressure. After an alarming slide down the standings, Pompey are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop back into League One. The root of their struggles? A lack of consistent goals. Adrian Segecic leads the team with just six league goals, while the next best, striker Colby Bishop, has managed only two. For a club with Portsmouth’s ambitions, those numbers simply aren’t good enough.
If Pompey do find themselves relegated come season’s end, the need for a reliable League One marksman will be urgent. Taylor, who has proven himself a handful for defenders and a clinical finisher during his loan at Wigan, could be the answer. His pressing style, ability to get in behind opposition backlines, and current confidence would make him a nightmare for League One defenses. The likes of John Swift and Josh Murphy, both known for their creative spark, would surely relish the chance to supply a striker of Taylor’s quality. As the article points out, "Taylor would be a shrewd addition for Pompey, and it’s a deal that they should be exploring, regardless of which division they’re playing in next season."
While Taylor’s future remains the subject of intense speculation, Wigan Athletic is also embracing change in another, more sartorial sense. On April 1, 2026, the club announced the end of their eight-year kit partnership with Puma, signaling the dawn of a new era with Irish sportswear brand O’Neills. Starting June 1, 2026, the Latics will enjoy full creative control over their kit designs—a significant departure from the standard templates they received under Puma.
This move has been met with excitement from fans and club officials alike. Nicola Prior, the club’s Group Head of Retail, emphasized the bespoke nature of the new deal: "This is not a case of taking a standard template and changing a few colours. We have control over more of the finished product." O’Neills, which has built a reputation in the UK and Ireland for producing culturally resonant and highly customized shirts, will allow Wigan to release limited-edition kits with unique looks, much like their acclaimed work with Bohemian FC and Bristol City.
Adding a local touch to the partnership, O’Neills’ UK head office is based in nearby Haydock, and the lead designer for Wigan’s new kits hails from Hindley Green, right in the heart of the Wigan area. This connection has not gone unnoticed by supporters, who are eager to see the Latics’ identity reflected in every stitch and stripe of the new kits. The prospect of special edition releases and a truly bespoke approach is sure to make next season’s kit launches some of the most anticipated in club history.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, Wigan Athletic stands at a crossroads. Whether it’s the fate of Joe Taylor, the club’s divisional status, or the look of next season’s shirts, change is in the air. One thing’s for sure: the summer ahead promises drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points for Latics fans and football observers alike. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.