Throughout the month, the Latics manager consistently communicated that there would be minimal activity at the DW Stadium in January. However, on Wednesday, he secured the loan signing of QPR forward Charlie Kelman for the remainder of the season. This addition follows similar loan deals for defenders Luke Chambers (Liverpool) and Charlie Goode (Brentford).
The most notable departure has been vice-captain Callum Lang, who signed a significant undisclosed fee, two-and-a-half-year contract with League One leaders Portsmouth on Monday morning.
Additionally, midfielder James Balagizi (Liverpool) and defender Omar Rekik (Arsenal) have returned to their parent clubs. Several youngsters, including defender James Carragher (Inverness), midfielder Joe Adams (Morecambe), defender Ethan Mitchell (Fylde), and midfielder Harry McHugh (Ayr), have been loaned out.
Despite these movements, the manager, Maloney, expressed satisfaction with the current squad and indicated that there are no plans for further signings. He stated, “I don’t think we will be signing anyone. We did our work yesterday with Charlie; we won’t be going for anybody else. I am quite happy with the squad as it is. If there are any movements, it’ll be outgoings rather than incomings.”
The transfer window closes at 11 pm on Thursday night, and despite the club’s past tradition of being active on deadline day, Maloney seems content with the existing squad.