Wigan Athletic pull off Premier League coup in Crystal Palace rock
Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth admitted he jumped at the chance to reunite with Gary Caldwell at Wigan Athletic after signing a three-year deal from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old spent two hugely successful loan periods under Caldwell at Exeter City between 2024-26.
And he made it a hat-trick to become Latics' first signing of transfer deadline day.
"I'm really happy to be here and get it done and come to such a big club," he said. "The size of the club is a big factor. I've played against Wigan a few times now, and it was always a tough place to come to.
"I've worked with the head coach, and I've worked with him and the staff before, and we played some of our best football under him.
"To come here and play under him is really good for me again, but to come to this club, I'm really happy.
"The gaffer took me on my first loan, and I've played quite a few games since then. Hopefully, I can play as many games as possible.
"But coming here on a permanent basis gives me a home as well, and I'm really looking forward to the future."
Whitworth made 95 appearances in all competitions for Exeter, with 86 of those coming in League One.
He began his career with Wimbledon before joining the Palace Academy at the age of 13.
Whitworth made his senior debut in March 2023 against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, one of two league appearances in total.
"Everyone at Crystal Palace would like to thank Joe for his efforts and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career,” read an Eagles statement.
Whitworth becomes the second goalkeeper arrival at Wigan this summer, with Joe Walsh having joined from Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan.
Latics parted company with three of their four senior goalkeepers from last season over the summer, with Toby Savin and Marry Corran being released, and Sam Tickle moving up to the second tier with Bristol City.
Youngster Tom Watson is also on the books, but he has been tipped for another loan move to gain experience, after last season’s stint at South Shields.