What happened: Wigan Athletic have signed 20-year-old forward Akeel Higgins from West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract. Higgins, a left winger who can also operate as an attacking midfielder, made a single senior appearance for West Brom, coming in the FA Cup. He spent last season on loan in League One with Exeter City.
Why it matters: The move reunites Higgins with Gary Caldwell, who managed him during that Exeter loan and has spoken glowingly of the forward's ceiling. For Wigan, it is a low-risk bet on a young attacker the manager already knows and trusts, adding depth and upside to the forward line rather than an immediate first-choice option.
By the numbers: Higgins is 20 and made one first-team appearance for West Brom, in the FA Cup. On loan at Exeter City in League One last season he scored twice in 31 appearances. His new Wigan contract runs for two years.
What to watch: Watch how quickly Caldwell integrates Higgins into the Wigan attack and whether the reunion translates the potential his manager has described into regular minutes and end product.