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With official confirmation of the arrival of defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori expected later in the day, rumours linking centre back Andre Wisdom with a season-long loan at Wigan Athletic have begun to form. If, as expected, those signings come to pass, it would seem a move that on the surface at least would make a great deal of sense for club and player.
For much of the summer there have been suggestions manager Brendan Rodgers would seek to send Wisdom on loan if the club could bring in enough defensive depth to allow it. Ilori and Sakho arriving—along with news that Kolo Toure's injury is less severe than originally feared—means the club now has five senior options at centre half.
If Martin Skrtel is moved out before the end of the day, the club would still have four options ahead of Wisdom on the depth chart, and without European football his chances would be limited. Even if right back Glen Johnson's ankle injury proves serious, Tiago Ilori would likely be preferred to Wisdom as an emergency fullback option given Rodgers is reported to have promised the young Portuguese defender significant minutes.
After being demoted from the Premier League last season and seeing manager Roberto Martinez leave for Everton, Wigan will seek to secure their return to the top flight under Owen Coyle. Coye previously managed Bolton Wanderers and will be expected to maintain the passing game Wigan has become known for in recent seasons, seemingly making Wisdom a perfect fit for them and Wigan a perfect fit for Wisdom's continued development.
Previously this summer there have been rumours linking Wisdom with Fulham on loan. If he is indeed available as now appears to be the case, there remains the chance the Cottagers could renew their interest and join Wigan as a potential destination.