- Charlie Hughes signs for Hull City.
- Hughes, 20, completes permanent transfer to Tigers for an undisclosed fee.
- The Heatable Latics Academy graduate made 76 appearances for Latics.
Wigan Athletic defender Charlie Hughes has completed a permanent transfer to Sky Bet Championship side Hull City for an undisclosed fee.
A product of the Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy, Hughes joined the football club as an U15 and impressed immensely throughout his time at the Brick Community Stadium.
He made his first-team breakthrough in the 2022/23 campaign, being a shining light in what was a difficult season for everyone connected to the football club. He featured 23 times for Latics and was also named the club’s PFA Community Champion off the field as a reward for his dedication to helping others and giving back to the local community.
Hughes, who captained the club with pride on many occasions last term, continued to excel as he was nominated for the Sky Bet League One young player of the season and won a number of caps for England’s Euro Elite League Squad.
The 20-year-old leaves Latics having scored five goals in 76 appearances, helping the club finish comfortably in mid-table in the 2023/24 campaign, despite an eight-point deduction.
Sporting director Gregor Rioch said: “We should look at selling Charlie as a huge achievement for our football club and also recognition for our academy.
“It’s a very proud day for all our academy staff who have played a part in his early years at the football club. We of course must all pay tribute to Shaun [Maloney] and his coaching staff for the opportunities they have given Charlie in the first team.
“Those experiences have seen him flourish and ultimately progress on to represent the England Euro Elite Squad and we are all confident that one day he will become a full England international.
“Charlie’s desire to test himself at a higher level has not come as a surprise to us, but the Board and I have been determined to ensure the club achieve the best possible deal.
“I have a special relationship with Charlie and his family and on behalf of everyone at the club, I want to wish Charlie and his family every success in the future and thank him for all his efforts whilst wearing the Wigan Athletic shirt.”
Maloney added: “I have had a great relationship with Charlie since I came into this football club and he has been outstanding for me over the past season and a half.
“I have no doubt he will go on to play at the highest level and although fans will naturally be disappointed to lose a player of his quality, we must celebrate the fact he is the first academy player in over 10 years to be sold for such a significant fee.
“He is a player who has come through our ranks and has been a stand-out first team performer for us. I want to pay tribute to my coaching staff, as well as Graham Barrow, who have all played a part in his development which has ultimately resulted in a sale to a club in a higher division in a deal which works for all parties.
“I want to wish Charlie the best of luck for the future and hope he comes back to a game in the near future to say goodbye to the fans he gave his absolute best for.”