Wigan lead race to sign highly-rated Chelsea midfielder on loan
Wigan Athletic are leading the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh on loan as the Blues consider the next step in his development.
The loan is understood to be moving closer, with clubs from both the Championship and League One interested in the 17-year-old.
The Chelsea Spot reports that Walsh is closing in on a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge, although no agreement with Wigan has yet been confirmed.
A loan would give the highly-rated midfielder his first sustained experience of senior league football after progressing rapidly through Chelsea’s academy.
Walsh has already featured for Chelsea’s first team. Chelsea’s official Reggie Walsh profile confirms he became the club’s third-youngest senior player when he made his European debut and has since featured in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
🚨EXCL: Reggie Walsh is closing in on a loan move with Championship and League One clubs interested.
Wigan are currently leading the race #wafc pic.twitter.com/yqNTQmvPNZ
— The Chelsea Spot 🤐 (@TheChelseaSpot) August 2, 2026
Walsh has spent pre-season working under Xabi Alonso and travelled with the senior squad for the Australia and Asia tour.
ReadChelsea previously highlighted Walsh among the academy players handed an opportunity during Alonso’s pre-season preparations.
The midfielder also featured against Western Sydney Wanderers, continuing an encouraging summer in which Alonso has been able to assess several Cobham prospects.
However, regular competitive football could now be considered more valuable than remaining on the fringes of Chelsea’s senior squad.
Walsh only turned 17 last October and has already demonstrated his technical quality at youth and senior level. The next challenge is proving he can reproduce that against experienced professionals every week.
Wigan currently appear best placed to offer that opportunity.
Interest from Championship clubs means Chelsea will still need to decide which destination provides the strongest pathway, but The Chelsea Spot’s update suggests a loan decision is now approaching.
For Walsh, the priority should be minutes.
A productive season in the EFL could put him in a considerably stronger position to compete for a Chelsea first-team role when he returns.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Chelsea in advanced talks with Portsmouth over winger loan
Chelsea in advanced talks with Portsmouth over winger loan
Chelsea agree €25m deal to sign Rayo Vallecano defender
Chelsea agree €25m deal to sign Rayo Vallecano defender