- Latics sign Silko Thomas on loan!
- Leicester City winger joins on a season-long loan
- Thomas: “It was easy for me to come here knowing the manager has wanted me for over 18 months. I want to do my best and show everyone what I am capable of.”
Wigan Athletic have further strengthened their forward options with the loan arrival of exciting winger Silko Thomas, subject to Premier League, EFL, and FA approval.
Thomas, (20), has agreed to link up with Latics for the 2024/25 campaign, having been convinced to be part of the project by first team manager Shaun Maloney and sporting director Gregor Rioch.
The youngster’s footballing career began at Carshalton Athletic, where he spent two seasons, before eventually being scouted and signed by Chelsea. Thomas impressed hugely during his time at Cobham, featuring for both Chelsea’s U18s and U21s, and representing England at U18s and U15s level.
Following a decade with Chelsea, Thomas joined Leicester City last term, where he has continued to shine with the Foxes.
It was a dream debut season for Thomas who was rewarded with the men’s development player of the season in May. Thomas made 16 appearances for Leicester’s senior academy side, scoring five goals and receiving a nomination for the March Premier League 2 player of the month.
He also played in all three of Leicester City U21s’ Bristol Street Motors Trophy group stage fixtures, including against Latics at the Brick Community Stadium and scoring the winner against Tranmere Rovers.
Thomas, who has spent the first half of pre-season with the Foxes’ first team, has become the club’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window after joining on a season-long loan.
Thomas said:”It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I can’t wait to get started and meet the fans.
“It was easy for me to come here knowing the manager has wanted me for over 18 months. I want to do my best and show everyone what I am capable of.”
Maloney said:”We are thrilled that Silko has joined us on a season-long loan. He is a very exciting player who can play on the left and right-wing, as well as in the number 10 position. I believe he will be well-suited to our playing style this season.
“Silko has represented his country at various youth levels and won Leicester City’s development player of the season in May. I have been following Silko for the last 18 months, so I am looking forward to him meeting his teammates and working hard to help us achieve our goals.”
Rioch added: “Silko is someone who we have admired for a long time. We have worked very hard over the summer to get him here and we believe that Silko will be a fantastic addition to our squad. I am looking forward to seeing how he performs in a Latics’ shirt this season.”