Manchester City youngster Charlie Gray has completed a season-long loan move to League One club Wigan Athletic
Manchester City youngster Charlie Gray has joined Wigan Athletic on loan
Manchester City youngster Charlie Gray has joined Wigan Athletic on loan(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Manchester City midfielder Charlie Gray has joined Wigan Athletic on loan for the remainder of the season. MEN Sport reported on Thursday morning that Gray's departure was close to being completed, after he missed the Under-21s' victory over Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday night. Gray was in the stands at Wigan on Tuesday night as they faced Aston Villa Under-21s.
The 20-year-old made his senior debut for City in December as the Blues beat Brentford 2-0 in the Carabao Cup. During the 2024/25 campaign, Gray was named the EDS Players' Player of the Season.
Speaking to Wigan's website after the deal was completed, Gray said: "I'm really happy to be here and excited to be on my first loan and come to such a big club like Wigan with such an experienced head coach. The playing style suits how I like to play, so I'm really excited.
"I think it's really important when you get to the age that I am now to get out and get some men's football under your belt. It's a completely different game to what U21s football is, and I can't wait to get started."
Confirming his exit on the City website, a statement from the Blues read: "Gray shone again at EDS level last term, with his performances drawing the attention of first team coaches for that call-up to the senior side. Everyone at City would like to wish Charlie the very best of luck this season."
Gray joined City as an Under-nine and has won the FA Youth Cup and the Premier League 2 title during his time in the academy. The midfielder will link up with his former City teammate Finley Burns at Wigan. The defender joined the Latics for £200,000 earlier this month.
It is understood City are likely to sanction several more academy moves in the final weeks of the transfer window. A handful of youngsters have been earmarked for loans away from the Etihad to continue their development.
Gray's debut for the Latics could come on Saturday when they host Leyton Orient.