Wigan Athletic release midfielder as forward exits on loan and ex-midfielder joins Stevenage

The 25-year-old, who joined Latics in January 2025, was made available for transfer at the end of last season, but failed to secure a move during the summer window.

Speaking at the end of last term, head coach Gary Caldwell hinted the player would be on his way - either on loan or by being released.

"Yes, that could still happen," he said. "But we need to wait and see, and make sure it's right for the player as well as the clubs involved.

"We can't just push players out. We want to get to the right outcome as a football club but, from a human perspective, we need to do it in the right way.

"I've always been very honest and up front with people, and I think it's very easy to forget at times like this that real feelings and human beings are involved.

"It's their lives and livelihoods that are involved, so we'll always try it in the right possible way and do right by them as well as us.”

Darcy struggled to settle at Wigan after being signed by Shaun Maloney following the sale of Thelo Aasgaard to Luton Town.

Maloney was sacked a fortnight after Darcy arrived, and he never got a look-in under Ryan Lowe.

Darcy spent the first half of last season on loan at Chesterfield and the second half on loan at Crawley Town.

He leaves Latics having scored once in 14 appearances.

Also out the door this week is young striker Adam Moseley, who has joined Southport on a 28-day deal.

"It's just to get him games," explained Caldwell. "I think he's done well, in pre-season, but he's at a stage now where we needs games.

"I'm pretty sure he can score goals at that level, and that will hopefully help his progression.

"Then we'll see if we need to bring him, back, or loan him out again, possibly up the levels, to help and us further."

Meanwhile, midfielder Matt Smith - who turned down a new contract at Wigan at the end of last season - has joined Stevenage on a contract of 'undisclosed length'.