Wigan Athletic Buyer Confirmed

English Football League (EFL) One club Wigan Athletic has been sold to local businessman Mike Danson.

The deal has been agreed two weeks after the club’s current ownership group, led by Bahrain-based Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi, agreed to sell the club amid financial struggles.

Then, earlier this week, the Latics were served a winding-up petition by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs over unpaid tax bills.

Danson has now stepped in and completed the purchase of the club in what will be his second foray into sports club ownership in the area.

The businessman already owns a 25% stake in Super League rugby league club Wigan Warriors.

Young entrepreneur Sarbjot Johal was thought to be another potential buyer for Wigan Athletic, but it was considered unlikely that he would pass the EFL’s Owners and Directors’ Test.

In a statement, the club confirmed all players and staff will be paid ‘immediately along with other creditors’.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Danson said, “I am delighted to become involved in Wigan Athletic Football Club. I was born in Wigan, I grew up locally and the community of the town is close to my heart.

“I want to recognise that the club has a hugely important part to play in the local community, not just for players, but for fans, employees and all its suppliers, business partners and numerous community groups.”

Now, Danson is likely to begin his restructure of the club, with a new board set to form.

Despite suffering relegation form the EFL Championship last season, manager Shaun Maloney is set to retain his role.

Wigan is currently due to start next season on minus eight points as punishment for failing to pay their players on time on six separate occasions in 2022/23.