Ryan Lowe Eyes Familiar Face to Spark Wigan Revival as Summer Transfer Plans Kick Off
Ryan Lowe is gearing up for his first full pre-season at Wigan Athletic, having taken charge in March as the club looks to build a stronger foundation after a turbulent campaign. Despite only being out of the dugout for six months following his exit from Preston North End, Lowe is already shaping plans to turn things around at the Brick Community Stadium.
Wigan’s League One status isn’t yet confirmed with just a slim cushion keeping them above the relegation zone, but attention is already turning to next season, with transfer targets being lined up. Chief among those is Stoke City striker Niall Ennis, currently on loan at Blackpool, who has emerged as a top target for the Latics.
Ennis, 25, is under contract with Stoke until 2026 but is reportedly on Wigan’s radar as they look to inject more firepower into their attack — an area that has struggled all season. In fact, no team across the entire EFL has scored fewer goals than Wigan, who are tied with League Two side Harrogate Town.
Football League World broke the news on April 16 that Wigan are plotting a move for Ennis, who has netted six goals and provided one assist in 12 starts for Blackpool. Speaking exclusively to FLW, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman backed the potential move, saying:
“It’s no surprise to see Niall Ennis thriving in League One. His pace and power are a nightmare for defenders at this level. His best spell came under Ryan Lowe at Plymouth, and he’s still only 25. If he’s not part of Stoke’s plans, a permanent switch to Wigan could suit everyone.”
Lowe’s prior connection with Ennis could play a key role in any potential move. The pair worked together at Plymouth Argyle, where Ennis hit 24 goals in 97 games after being signed from Wolves. Lowe has made no secret of his admiration for the striker, recently telling Wigan Today:
“He’s a fantastic lad and a natural goalscorer at this level. I signed him before, and I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t a player I rate highly.”
Wigan’s attacking struggles have been clear. Despite the emergence of Nottingham Forest loanee Dale Taylor, the club’s second-highest scorer remains Thelo Aasgaard — who left in January. Ennis, reinvigorated by his current loan spell, could be the spark needed to reverse Wigan’s attacking fortunes and help Lowe build a side capable of climbing the League One table next season.