'Come in Wigan Athletic January signing No.6', as Ronan Darcy arrives from Crawley Town

So says Latics sporting director Gregor Rioch, after the 24-year-old joined Latics less than 48 hours after the sale of talisman Thelo Aasgaard to Luton Town.

“We have had Ronan in our sights for a while," said Rioch. "And I am delighted we have been able to bring him in on a permanent deal.

"Ronan is an exciting player who we have brought into the football club and I want to thank Crawley Town for their cooperation."

Darcy has become Latics' fourth permanent acquisition of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Josh Robinson (Arsenal), Joe Hungbo (FC Nurnberg) and Jon Mellish (Carlisle United).

Will Goodwin and Ollie Norburn have also joined on loan from Oxford United and Blackpool respectively.

"We're excited to welcome Ronan to our football club," said manager Shaun Maloney. "He has a strong work ethic and brings valuable skills to the team, especially when we are in possession. I am confident he will be an excellent addition to our squad, and I look forward to helping him integrate into the team.”

The 24-year-old midfielder, who hails from Ormskirk, came through the ranks at near-neighbours Bolton Wanderers before joining Swindon Town in 2022 and Crawley the following year.

Darcy also spent time on loan at three clubs during his time at Bolton – Skelmersdale United, Norwegian outfit Sogndal and Queens Park.

He scored six goals last season as Crawley won promotion to League One, and has bagged another two in 25 appearances this term.

Darcy was booked in Latics’ 1-0 defeat at Wigan back in August.

"I am absolutely delighted," he said. "This is the next chapter for me, and it's my opportunity now to show everyone what I can do. I cannot wait - I've not slept much because I'm so excited to get going.

"This is a massive club, and I think everyone knows that. The way the manager likes to play...the way I like to play...I think it will suit me. This is the next chapter for me in my career, and I think it’s the perfect one.

"This is a Premier League club really, isn’t it...it’s just fallen down the pyramid a little bit in recent seasons. But everyone knows how big a club it is, and I’m excited to be part of it. Hopefully during my time here we can help the club back up the pyramid.

"I’m only young myself, but I like to think I have leadership skills and, coming into such a young group, I’m hoping to fulfil that role in helping the young lads around me.

"I would like to add more goals and assists to me game, but I think that is coming. But as a player, I like to be nice on the eye, and hopefully the fans will like watching me play."

Darcy will inherit the No.10 shirt left behind by playmaking predecessor Aasgaard.