Wigan Athletic man facing uncertain future as loan and Newcastle United contract near expiry - comment

Wigan Athletic saw Watts become a firm fan favourite in his first stint at the club. The Newcastle United academy graduate was part of the promotion-winning 2021/22 squad and was a popular returnee when his second loan was announced last summer. However, this latest stint has not gone as hoped for the 24-year-old. His action has been limited with 19 appearances made across all competitions and he has not been in one of Shaun Maloney’s League One matchday squads in 2024. Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS. It was reported that an agreement was in place for Watts to join Wigan Athletic permanently this summer with his Newcastle contract coming to an end. Now though, amid a drop down the pecking order at the DW Stadium, the future looks uncertain. While it was said that a permanent agreement was in place for the end of Watts’ loan, it was not something mentioned by the club. Moreover, there weren’t details over whether it was an obligation or an option, or just that an agreement was there if Wigan Athletic wanted to take it up. Further clarity over the matter should emerge as the season nears an end. Given his lack of game time under Shaun Maloney in a challenging return to the Latics though, it might be a surprise to see him stay with the League One club. If that is the case, free agency may well beckon for the defender. His Newcastle United deal is up and a renewal will not be on the cards. Time will tell just what comes of Watt’s situation when the summer rolls around. Despite this tough time with Wigan, he’s proven before that he can be a great asset in League One and should he become a free agent, the Alnwick-born ace shouldn’t be short of options. Kell Watts League one Newcastle United Wigan Athletic