Why Wigan Athletic should sign Callum McManaman once again
Newly-promoted Championship side Wigan Atheltic are interested in re-signing former winger Callum McManaman.
McManaman failed to nail down a regular spot in West Bromwich Albion’s starting line-up since leaving DW Stadium in January 2015. The 21-year-old had signed a three-year contract with West Brom but he joined Sunderland last summer, where he managed only 13 starts and 11 substitute appearances as the Black Cats were relegated to League One.
McManaman is still a popular figure at the Latics given his heroics in the famous FA Cup Final win against Manchester City. A combination of injuries and lack of form reduced his game time to a great extent. Joining the Black Cats was supposed to help him get his career back on track but that clearly did not happen.
Playing under Chris Coleman at the Stadium of Light, a series of injuries hampered his progress. McManaman, a distant relative of former Liverpool and Real Madrid player Steve McManaman, failed to hold down a place in the starting line-up.
Now, new manager Jack Ross must rebuild the Sunderland squad to fight for promotion back to the Championship next season. While McManaman’s name hasn’t featured heavily in the list of players looking for exits, Sunderland could be tempted with the right price.
Wigan earned a promotion to the Championship after winning the League One title last season. The Latics must avoid a relegation battle and aim to get promoted to the Premier League as well. To do so, however, Paul Cook must solidify his squad further which has seen him turn his attention to McManaman.
Wideman McManaman was a peripheral figure in his first season with Sunderland. He could be among a host of players to be shipped out this summer as the club must reduce their wage bill. The versatile right-footed 27-year-old can play either as a forward or as a winger. He is great at taking set-pieces, dribbling and holding onto the ball, making him a valuable asset indeed. In fact, McManaman would offer Wigan a new dimension.
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According to reports, Wigan are interested in a loan deal for McManaman but that would be hinged on Wigan’s willingness to pay his wages. Regardless of whether they sign him on a permanent or temporary basis, Wigan should get a deal done for their former prodigy.
