Wigan Athletic started off the League One campaign with a 3-1 win on Saturday against Northampton Town. Despite the positive start, they are reportedly close to adding to their squad.
The Latics are rumoured to be on the verge of completing a deal for Birmingham City defender Dion Sanderson. The 25 year old has fallen down the pecking order at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park and is set to seal a move to Wigan Athletic.
Who is Dion Sanderson?
Sanderson started his career in the Black Country with Wolverhampton Wanderers, joining at the age of eight. He progressed through the youth system at Molineux before making his senior debut in 2019.
This was the defender’s only appearance for Wolves before numerous loan spells in the Championship and League One. During his loan spell with Sunderland in 2020-21, the 25 year old won the EFL trophy and helped the Black Cats secure a play-off place.
Having had numerous loan spells with Birmingham, the defender joined the Blues on a permanent deal in 2023. In his first season with the club, Sanderson suffered relegation from the Championship and found himself out on loan with Blackburn Rovers last season.
After falling down the pecking order at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, the defender has been linked to various moves away this summer. According to reports, Wigan Athletic are closing in on a deal to secure the services of the 25 year old.
What could Dion Sanderson bring to Wigan Athletic?
One key attribute that Sanderson would bring to Wigan Athletic is his versatility. Despite predominantly plying his trade at centre-back, the 25 year old has previously played in the right-back position which would offer Ryan Lowe some flexibility should he need cover in the full-back area.
Another attribute of Sanderson’s that would be of benefit to the Latics is his aerial ability. The defender won an average of 2.57 aerial duels for Blackburn last season with a 76.2% success rate.
Last season’s 86.9% passing accuracy showcases the Birmingham defender’s composure on the ball which will likely provide Wigan Athletic adaptability in their build up play. The 25 year old completed an average of 41.39 successful passes and 2.25 accurate long balls per 90 minutes which will offer diversity in how they transition from defence to attack this season.
Despite having a significant proportion of his career left at the age of 25, Sanderson would bring a level of experience to Ryan Lowe’s side. The defender has made over 100 appearances in the Championship and was a member of the Sunderland side that reached the play-offs in 2021.
Would Dion Sanderson be a good signing for Wigan Athletic?
Sanderson has the likes of Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann and Eiran Cashin ahead of him in the pecking order at Birmingham. With this in mind, a move away from the Championship club is likely what is required in order to kick-start his career again.
Having conceded the third least goals per match last season with an average of 0.9 it is likely that Sanderson would provide extra competition to a strong defence at Wigan Athletic. With this in mind, signing someone with the 25 year old’s potential could be an impressive acquisition from the Latics.
His aerial ability could improve Ryan Lowe’s side from an offensive stand point as well. Last season, Wigan Athletic scored the third lowest goals from set pieces (nine goals) which could be improved by adding someone like Sanderson to their side.
The Latics were ranked last for goals scored per match last season with 0.9 goals per match. Having signed three forwards (Christian Saydee, Paul Mullin and Dara Costelloe) earlier in the window, Wigan may believe they have rectified this issue and can turn their attention to improving on their defensive solidity from last season.
The League One side’s expected goals (xG) conceded last season was 43.5 xG which was the seventh best in the division last season. If they are looking to break into the top six, signing Sanderson may provide the icing on the cake to improve their defence further and secure a play-off place at the end of the 2025-26 season.
