Why Wigan completing a loan deal for Callum Eder could be the right move

Wigan Athletic remain keen on signing Leicester City left-back Callum Elder, according to reports. The 23-year-old Australian defender spent last season on loan at the DW Stadium and helped the team win the League One title. And now the Latics boss Paul Cook is eager to bring him back on a permanent basis.

Elder is currently with away on pre-season with his parent club Leicester but a deal doesn’t seem impossible. The Foxes have Christian Fuchs and Ben Chilwell in this position, although Chilwell is currently out injured.

Elder seems like an exciting prospect for the Latics. Last term, he made 27 appearances for them in the third tier, providing one assist. Add to that, 5 games in the FA Cup, a goal against Bournemouth and two assists (one against Manchester City in the 5^th Round), and you see his performance could have been a lot worse.

The beginning

Elder started his career in Australia with Manly United before moving to England to sign for Leicester when he was 16. The former Australia U20 international has spent the majority of his time in the UK out on loan. He’s had spells with Mansfield, Peterborough, Brentford, Barnsley and Wigan, with his best football coming with the Latics.

Wigan right now

Paul Cook is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming long and difficult Championship campaign. Wigan have already signed Christian Walton on loan from Brighton, Kal Naismith from Portsmouth and Leonardo Da Silva Lopes from Peterborough. However, there’s no natural left-back in the team, after Reece James went to Sunderland and Andy Kellett left for Notts County.

What will he bring?

Elder is an energetic, athletic full-back, who likes to attack but is also solid in defence. At 23, he’s more determined and hungry than ever to prove a point and possibly even fight for a call-up to his national side.

The verdict

With very few opportunities expected if he remains at Leicester, Callum Elder will want to go to a place where he’d get regular first-team football. He even admitted he was unsure about his future but Paul Cook mentioned he’d be more than interested to bring the Aussie back.

Elder knows most of his potential new teammates, and would be happy to continue working with Cook and getting chance to shine – this time in the Championship. If a deal can be reached, it will be a great move for both Wigan, Leicester, as well as for the player himself.