Hendry is Martinez's second recruit
Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas has today finally become a Latics player – 12 months later than originally planned.
Thomas was all set to join last summer only for his dream move to be blocked when he was denied a work permit.
However, both player and club never gave up hope that the deal could be resurrected, and Thomas has now become Roberto Martinez's second
summer signing.
The 24-year-old has been in Wigan all week adjusting to his new surroundings, negotiating personal terms and completing the formalities of a medical.
He has agreed a three-year contract, with Latics paying Honduran outfit Deportivo Olimpia a fee of about 1.7m.
The success in England of his former Deportivo team mates Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa had also put several clubs on alert as to his potential and Latics manager Roberto Martinez says he is glad he has chosen Wigan Athletic.
He said: "Everyone knows how well Wilson and Maynor have done in the Premier League and it is no wonder there was lots of interest in Hendry, who comes from the same club as those two and has impressed.
"What happened last season here was a shame but the player now has the chance to prove himself over here. He is a powerful figure in midfield, who can sit in front of the back four and destroy attacks, or can also come forward and score.
"He is a player the club has worked really hard to secure these past months, with representatives from here travelling over to Honduras to meet with him and broker the deal - and all that hard work has paid off now."
Martinez added: "he is another quality addition to the squad. We need healthy competition in there and now the search goes on for new blood."
Hendry himself said: "I want to prove myself in the Premier League and what happened last year was very disappointing for me personally.
"But I have worked hard all season to stay fit and qualify for the work permit rules and it is a dream come true for me to come to England. I have talked a ,lot with Maynor and Wilson about the club and I can't wait to start now."
Thomas made his senior debut at the age of 16 and has been a regular in the Deportivo side ever since. He now has 31 caps for his country and is a regular at international level.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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