Sheyi Ojo, the former Liverpool winger who spent time on loan at Wigan Athletic, has completed a surprising transfer to Kazakhstan Premier League side Aktobe. The 29-year-old's career has taken another international turn after two seasons with Slovenian club Maribor.
What happened?
Ojo, who joined Liverpool as a 14-year-old from MK Dons, has signed for Aktobe, where he will play alongside former Manchester United star Nani. This marks his 11th club since making his Liverpool debut in 2014. During his time at Anfield, Ojo had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring his only goal for Liverpool in an FA Cup replay against Exeter City in 2016.
Why it matters for Wigan Athletic
While Ojo's move to Kazakhstan doesn't directly impact Wigan Athletic, his journey from a loan spell at the club to playing in Europe and now Asia highlights the unpredictable nature of football careers. Wigan Athletic fans may remember his contributions during his time at the DW Stadium, where he played under then-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who once praised him as a 'wonderful player'.
What comes next?
Ojo's move to Aktobe adds to his diverse footballing experience, having played in England, France, Scotland, Belgium, Slovenia, and now Kazakhstan. His career trajectory, which includes representing England at youth levels and switching allegiance to Nigeria, shows the global nature of modern football. Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic finished 14th in League One last season with 56 points, scoring 49 goals and conceding 56, setting the stage for a new campaign.
