Wigan Athletic are close to completing the loan signing of Feyenoord centre-back George Johnston, according to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports. The Liverpool academy graduate comes into a recently improved Wigan side, who will be looking to avoid successive relegations.
George Johnston Set to Sign for Wigan Athletic
A Beneficial Deal for Feyenoord, George Johnston and Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic, who have had a torrid time since news of their administration emerged, have not been able to attract the same calibre of players they were able to last season, meaning the signing of a young talented individual would fill fans with some sort of hope.
For Johnston himself, it is a move back to the North-West of England having grown up in Manchester and coming through Liverpool’s academy system. But essentially, the move means more game time for the young defender, who can only benefit from such an experience.
The increased game-time will also suit Feyenoord, who have not been able to promise Johnston many first-team minutes this season. The move will continue the 22-year-old’s development and from a Feyenoord perspective, he will return a more mature and experienced individual.
Straight Into a League One Relegation Battle
The Latics currently sit in 22nd place and two points off third-tier safety. It is certainly a difficult situation for the young central defender to be thrown into, but the pressure of fighting for survival will be a huge learning curve.
For Wigan, the acquisition of a highly-rated player like Johnston will only bolster their chances of survival and ensure they have a large enough squad to be able to adapt to the rigours of post-lockdown football and the subsequent compact fixture list.
Johnston has also been capped eight times for Scotland’s U21 side. And a move to play regular football at Wigan will certainly increase his chances to progress into his country’s senior setup.
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