Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Another day, another exit at Chelsea. But this time it is teenage midfielder Reggie Walsh, who has finally completed a loan move to League One side Wigan Athletic.
Walsh, 17, is considered one of Chelsea’s brightest talents to have come through the Cobham academy in recent years. The playmaker was included in Xabi Alonso’s squad for the tour of Asia and Australia.
He started against Western Sydney in Chelsea’s 6-4 win and got an assist for Dario Essugo’s goal during the win. Walsh also came off the bench during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to 10-man Tottenham Hotspur.
Walsh would remain on the bench for the next three games on tour, but was absent when Chelsea beat Real Sociedad on the weekend. Now, Walsh has completed a loan move to League One side Wigan.
Chelsea fans love what Wigan have done with Reggie Walsh
On Wednesday, Chelsea and Wigan both confirmed that Walsh would be joining the Latics on loan until the end of the season. It is the first loan of Walsh’s career and a real chance to show what he can do.
Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh playing against Ajax in the Champions League.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Indeed, having made his first foray into senior football during the summer, Walsh will now get a chance to do it competitively. Wigan began their League One campaign with a loss, losing 3-2 to Cambridge United.
They will be hoping Walsh can ignite a spark after his arrival on loan, and such is the confidence in the Chelsea teen, they have handed him the no.10 shirt. Chelsea fans are delighted to see him get the 10.
Loan player getting #10. Straight to the top. https://t.co/OC0F1eYl22
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) August 19, 2026
One Chelsea fan commented, “no.10 wow”, while another believes it “shows the trust Wigan have in the lad”. Plenty of Blues fans noticed the declaration of faith Wigan have placed in the Chelsea talent.
“Walked in, grabbed the 10, means business”, was the reaction of another Chelsea supporter. One even said, “Got the number 10 shirt? I’ve got a new club to support”. Clearly, there is plenty of hype.
Walsh becomes the seventh Chelsea player to join Wigan on loan
There have been some significant loan spells from Wigan to Chelsea in the past. Franco Di Santo made his name at Wigan while the Latics were in the Premier League. Reece James started his career on loan there.
Chelsea top academy prospect
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Scott Sinclair, Patrick van Aanholt and Josh McEachran all joined the Latics on loan, while the latest to make the move from Chelsea to Wigan was defender Dujon Sterling, who is currently with Rangers.
Walsh has joined Wigan in time to be available for Saturday’s first home game of the season, a clash against Leyton Orient. While he might not start, Walsh will certainly be involved for Gary Caldwell.