Exclusive: Wigan Athletic agree deal to sign Walsall player

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The two clubs are finalising a transfer for the 24-year-old defender after the Latics beat competition from other sides who were keen on signing him this summer.Barrett was an impressive performer for the Saddlers despite their difficult campaign in League Two, as he ended the season with three goals and three assists to his name from 33 games. Connor Barrett set to become Wigan’s first summer signingWigan ended last season in positive fashion, as Gary Caldwell’s return as manager prompted an upturn in form that saw them pull away from the relegation zone in the final months of the campaign.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The Lancashire outfit are keen to add to Caldwell’s squad ahead of 2026-27, and they are now about to strike a deal for their first addition of the summer in Barrett. He is due to step up to the third tier for the first time in his career, and will make the switch after becoming one of League Two’s most impressive right wing-backs in recent years.

Wigan’s recruitment team have identified him as a player who could come in and add quality to their group, and they are now within touching distance of getting their man.Wigan set to lose talented youngster for compensation feeFootball Insider revealed earlier this week that Manchester City are in talks to sign Harrison Bettoni, as well as Chelsea and AC Milan, as the Wigan starlet looks destined to leave.The 18-year-old is out of contract at his boyhood club this summer, and will be allowed to leave for minimal compensation if talks progress as planned. Bettoni appears almost certain to leave Wigan in the coming months, with Championship clubs circling around the attacking midfielder, as well as several members of Europe’s elite. ⚽ League One Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated League One hubs: 24/7 intelligence from boardroom to dugout