Wigan Athletic have signed goalkeeper Joe Whitworth from Premier League club Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old has agreed a three-year contract and will link up again with Latics head coach Gary Caldwell.
This move comes as Wigan look to address a difficult start to the League One season. The club currently sits 24th in the table with zero points from three games, having lost all three matches. Their defensive record shows six goals conceded against just two scored, leaving them with a -4 goal difference and seven points adrift of early leaders Blackpool.
Who is Joe Whitworth?
Joe Whitworth is a young goalkeeper who came through the academy at Crystal Palace. He made his Premier League debut for the Eagles at the age of 19 years and 15 days, appearing against Brighton in March 2023. To gain more first-team experience, he spent the last two seasons on loan at Exeter City in League One. There, he worked under Gary Caldwell, who was appointed Wigan Athletic head coach in February of this year. Whitworth told the Wigan website he is pleased to reunite with his former boss. "I've worked with the head coach and the staff before, and we played some of our best football under him," Whitworth said. "To come here and play under him is really good for me again."
Where does he fit in the current squad?
The addition of Whitworth provides immediate competition for the starting goalkeeper position. Wigan's defensive struggles are clear from the early-season data, which you can explore on our stats page. Bringing in a fresh option between the posts is a direct response to those issues. His familiarity with Caldwell's methods should aid a quick integration into the squad, which fans can view on our squad page. The manager's return to the club earlier this year and now this signing point to a clear strategy of building a team with players who understand his approach.
What does this mean for Wigan's season?
The signing arrives at a critical juncture. With the team rooted to the bottom of League One, every point is vital. Whitworth's arrival is the first step in trying to solidify a defence that has been leaky so far. The immediate focus shifts to the next fixture, a home match against Milton Keynes Dons on September 2nd. MK Dons are currently 16th in the table, presenting an opportunity for Wigan to get their first points on the board. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops. The three-year length of Whitworth's deal indicates the club views him as a long-term asset, not just a short-term fix.
Joe Whitworth will be available for selection when Wigan Athletic host Milton Keynes Dons at the DW Stadium on Wednesday, September 2nd.
