(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 3 June 2026 15:07, UK

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League One side Wigan Athletic have agreed a deal to sign Walsall right-back Connor Barrett, sources have told Football Insider.

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.

He has made a big impression at the Bescot Stadium since his move there in 2024, but he is now ready to step up to League One level and take the next stride in his career.

Connor Barrett set to become Wigan’s first summer signing

Wigan 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.

The Latics eventually finished seven points clear of the bottom four in 16th, but they are one of many clubs in that area of this season’s table who will have their eyes on bigger things next term.

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.

The former AFC Fylde man managed eight league assists in his first ever EFL campaign, and also enjoyed a productive season this time around.

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 fee

Football 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.

The starlet struck four goals from just 11 starts in all competitions in his debut senior campaign this term, and that has attracted attention from some of the country’s biggest clubs.

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.