- Latics sign striker Dale Taylor
- The Northern Ireland international joins on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest
- Taylor: “Me and my family are buzzing, and it’s a great next step in my career.”
Wigan Athletic has finalised the loan signing of Northern Ireland international Dale Taylor, from Nottingham Forest, subject to Premier League, FA and EFL approval.
Taylor, (20), has joined for the 2024/25 Sky Bet League One campaign, bolstering Shaun Maloney’s forward ranks.
The young striker spent his formative years in his native Northern Ireland with Greenisland and Linfield before joining the academy at Nottingham Forest in July 2020.
Dale Taylor signing for Wigan Athletic
He progressed quickly with Forest and made his professional debut in a Carabao Cup victory at Grimsby Town in August 2022. His first senior move followed in January 2023 at Burton Albion, where he was a teammate of current Latics star Jonny Smith.
He marked his EFL debut with a goal against Oxford United, scoring five times in 20 appearances during his temporary stay at the Pirelli Stadium.
Having enjoyed his first taste of League One football, Taylor joined Wycombe Wanderers for the 2023/24 where he gained more invaluable experience with the Chairboys, netting nine goals in 52 appearances, including against Peterborough United in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final at Wembley.
Capped eight times by Northern Ireland, Taylor has now linked up with Latics for the upcoming season, adding further strength to Maloney’s frontline.
He said: “Me and my family are buzzing, and it’s a great next step in my career. I can’t wait to get started and do my best for the club.
“I know Wigan is a massive club with good support, and I know a few of the players here already.”
Maloney said: “Dale is a talented footballer, who we believe will be a fantastic addition to our squad. He has already gained a lot of experience playing in League One and internationally with Northern Ireland, and I am really excited to work with him.
“He is a strong and robust forward, who will add a different dimension to our frontline.”
Sporting director Gregor Rioch added: “We are delighted that Dale has joined the football club on a season-long loan. I’d like to express my gratitude to Nottingham Forest for their help in facilitating the move.
“He is a young striker, who has had two successful loans in League One with Burton Albion and Wycombe Wanderers in recent seasons. He will add a different profile to our squad, and I wish Dale the best of luck during his time with us.”