By @LaticsOfficial

Latics Academy Graduate extends contract at the DW Stadium 

  • Academy | James Carragher extends Wigan Athletic contract
  • Latics Academy graduate signs a new deal until the summer of 2025
  • The 20-year-old has made five senior appearances for Latics since making his debut in August 2021

Wigan Athletic is delighted to confirm that highly-rated defender James Carragher has signed a contract extension with the Football Club. 

Carragher, 20, has agreed to extended terms at the DW Stadium until at least the summer of 2025.

The central defender joined Latics as an Under 14 from Liverpool FC, impressing throughout his time with the 3PL Wigan Athletic Academy. He captained Latics U18s during his two years as a scholar, helping them win the Professional Development League North titles in both seasons and become crowned as the Professional Development League National Champions in May 2021. 

Carragher signed his first professional contract with Latics in the following summer, making his senior bow in the Carabao Cup First Round victory at Fleetwood Town. He went on to make three further first-team appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, including in the Papa John's Trophy Quarter Final win against Arsenal U21s at the DW Stadium. 

After featuring prominently for Latics during pre-season and memorably scoring in the 6-1 victory over Liverpool XI, Carragher started alongside fellow Academy graduate Charlie Hughes at Fleetwood Town before joining National League side Oldham Athletic on loan. 

It was a brilliant experience for the 20-year-old to aid both his personal and professional development, making five appearances before his time at Boundary Park was sadly cut short by injury. 

Speaking after Carragher's new contract, First Team Manager Shaun Maloney said:

“James is a talented young central defender who has a great future ahead of him. The pathway from the Academy is already there for all to see and James has an opportunity to play a big part in the first team next season if he continues to work hard. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

3PL Wigan Athletic Academy Manager, Gregor Rioch added:

“We are absolutely delighted to have James extend his stay with Wigan Athletic.

“He has progressed brilliantly throughout his time in our Academy, and has made a number of first-team appearances following his debut in August 2021. 

“James has spent time out on loan with Oldham Athletic this season, which was a great experience for him. 

“We are really excited for James to return from his injury, and we have really high hopes for him in the future. James is only going to keep improving, and we’re pleased that he will continue his development with us in the years to come.”