Since their inception into the Premier League in 2005, Wigan have been what
Closet Man U fan?
could be described as a selling club. Even before the start of the ’05/06 season, their top scorer from their promotion campaign Nathan Ellington left to join West Brom. Over the years, stars like Pascal Chimbonda, Wilson Palacios and Jimmy Bullard have left the JJB Stadium (soon to be called the DW Stadium after the ever modest Manchester United loving chairman Dave Whelan) for a ‘bigger club’. This is the reality of life at Wigan, and they are sure to lose more of their stars before deadline day:
Antonio Valencia: The Ecuadorian looks like something special, with pace, power, and a decent delivery in his armoury. Most of his time in England has been spend on the right of midfield, but he plays centrally for his country. He relishes the responsibility in this attacking midfield role, and excelled in Ecuador’s recent 2-0 win over Argentina. Touted for between £12-£18 million, depending on what paper you read, the 23-year-old will be at either Manchester United or Real Madrid next season. My money is on a move to Old Trafford, as a replacement of sorts for a certain Mr. Ronaldo. Will he inherit the number 7 shirt?
Paul Scharner: The Austrian defender cum midfielder is currently Wigan’s 
longest serving player, which says much for the revolving door as regards players at the club. His versatility and threat from set-pieces have made him a hit at the JJB Stadiumduring his 3 and a half year stint. However Fulham seem certain to add Scharner to their squad for £6 million, over double what Wigan forked for him from FK Brann.
Antoine Sibierski: Released at the end of the season following a miserable campaign of just 3 substitute appearances for his parent club and an average loan spell at Norwich, one wonders where the Frenchman will lay his hat next. It seems a lifetime ago that the double French Cup winner was topping the Premier League scoring charts, leading to a flood of inclusions in fantasy football teams. He was down as a midfielder after all. I’m happy to say I somehow managed to resist this temptation.
