Wigan Athletic Set for Major Cash Windfall Following Leeds United Transfer Decision
Wigan Athletic are poised to receive a £1 million windfall from the transfer of former player Joe Gelhardt to Hull City. The 24-year-old attacker is set to join the Tigers on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell last season, scoring 15 goals to help the East Yorkshire side gain promotion back into the Premier League after a decade.
Gelhardt's move to Hull City has activated a 20% sell-on clause in the deal that saw him join Leeds United back in 2020. The clause will net Wigan Athletic nearly £1 million as a result of his latest move. The 24-year-old never truly took off while at Elland Road, featuring just 58 times in total across six seasons, and ended up on loan three times, initially at Sunderland before heading to Hull for his first spell in January of 2025.
Why it matters for Wigan Athletic
The £1 million windfall is a major boost for Wigan Athletic's finances, which have had their fair share of financial troubles in recent years. The club will be glad that they are close to doubling their initial selling fee back in 2020. Having also received a handsome fee for Sam Tickle following his move to Bristol City, Gary Caldwell and his side will have plenty to throw at their squad if desired to put them back into promotion conversations.
With a loan move for Reggie Walsh close to completion and a potential further move for Fulham's Luke Harris being eyed, it seems that the Latics are content exploring the loan market before the season starts. Wigan Athletic currently sit 16th in League One, with 56 points from 46 games, and are 47 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race. They have scored 49 goals this season, conceding 58, resulting in a -9 goal difference.
As the new season approaches, Wigan Athletic will be looking to strengthen their squad and make a push for promotion. With the £1 million windfall from Gelhardt's transfer, they will have the financial resources to do so. The club will be hoping to build on their current form and make a successful push for promotion in the coming season.
The transfer of Gelhardt to Hull City is a significant development for Wigan Athletic, and it will be interesting to see how the club uses the £1 million windfall to strengthen their squad. With the loan market being explored, it seems that the Latics are content to build their team through short-term deals rather than making big-money signings. Only time will tell if this approach will pay off for Wigan Athletic in the coming season.
