Leo worth the wait for Wigan Athletic boss!
Wigan Athletic's recent swoop for Leonardo Da Silva Lopes capped a six month-long pursuit for the Portuguese wonderkid.
Latics boss Paul Cook was left to hail a real coup in the transfer market by swooping for the 19-year Peterborough midfielder, who had attracted Premier League interest during his short career.
And Posh director of football Barry Fry admits the Latics boss wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer in his pursuit of a player tipped to make a massive impact in the Championship next term:
“Paul Cook wanted him in January and he’s been pestering us ever since,” Fry revealed.
“And it’s a great move for Leo. Wigan play good football which will suit him and he will be playing for a manager who clearly rates him.”
Despite being sorry to see the back of the youngster, who’s already broken into the Portugal Under-21 set-up, Fry fully expects to see him hit the ground running in the north west.
“I reckon Paul will play him regularly,” added Fry.
“He will be Wigan’s major summer signing.”
Da Silva Lopes became the second arrival at the DW Stadium this summer, following in the footsteps of Kal Naismith, who joined from Portsmouth on a three-year contract.
Latics are also waiting to hear back from Alex Bruce and Gary Roberts, who have been mulling over the offer of one-year contract extensions.
Cook is also understood to be keen to keep hold of Brighton goalkeeper Christian Walton for another season-long loan.