Wigan Athletic should retain Nick Powell amidst RB Leipzig interest

According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, Wigan Athletic midfielder Nick Powell has emerged as a transfer target for German Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Latics and his potential availability on a free transfer at the end of the season has alerted a number of clubs, including the likes of Scottish champions Celtic and Premier League outfits Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion. And now, RB Leipzig have thrown their hat in the ring. (h/t TEAMtalk)

The attacking midfielder came through the youth ranks at Crewe Alexandra before earning a big move to Manchester United in 2012. However, Powell was never able to establish himself as a regular first-team member at Old Trafford.

And after some unsuccessful loan spells away at Wigan, Leicester City and Hull City, Powell left Manchester United permanently in 2016 after the expiry of his contract, joining the Latics on a free transfer.

While his debut campaign at DW Stadium was moderately successful, the 24-year-old stepped it up big time in the 2017/18 campaign, playing an instrumental role in helping Paul Cook’s side achieve promotion from the League One to the Championship. Powell churned out returns of 15 goals and 8 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions last season and was nominated for the League One Player of the Year award.

Back in the English second division, Powell has continued making a solid impression and has already scored 5 and set up 6 more in just 15 league appearances in the 2018/19 campaign.

Able to play either as a No.10 or a No.8 – and even as a secondary striker on occasions – the Englishman is an integral part of Cook’s side. Wigan are currently just four points above the drop zone and the former Manchester United man will be key for their hopes of surviving relegation.

However, Powell has already rejected an offer for a new deal tabled by Wigan. The Latics, backed by their new owners, are believed to be willing to offer him a bumper pay rise, but the 24-year-old is yet to commit his future. (h/t TEAMtalk)

Wigan find themselves between a rock and a hard place with Powell’s current contractual situation. The 24-year-old is a vital cog in the scheme of things for the team and losing him could derail their campaign. On the other hand, with the player unwilling to sign a new deal, the Latics will be losing a quality player for nothing at the end of the season.

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However, given their current league position, it would be unwise of them to let go of their star player midway through the campaign – even if it means that they lose him for free in the summer. And that is why they should reject any advances made by Leipzig or any other club for that matter.