Wigan Athletic starlet turns down new contract offer to join Bury - 'It’s pretty incredible'

The 19-year-old, who joined the Latics Academy from Bolton Wanderers two years ago was recalled from that loan spell towards the end of last season with Gary Caldwell wanting to take a look at him.

Indeed, Graham was one of nine players offered fresh terms this summer, as his contract was up.

Somewhat surprisingly, Graham has elected to return to Bury - who were promoted to the Northern Premier League Premier Division at the end of last season - on a two-year deal.

“It’s a surreal feeling," said Graham, who was named Bury's young player of the year last term. "I’m delighted.

"I can’t really put it into words. It hasn’t really sank in yet. It’s an unbelievable feeling.

“I feel like this is the best place for me to continue my development. I feel like it’s a very special place for me.

"The fans, the staff, the players – it’s all quite a surreal experience to be honest.

“I came as a boy and left as a man. This club taught me so much about how much three points means, playing for the badge. It’s a special place and I’m delighted to be back here!”

Bury manager Anthony Johnson added: “It’s something we’ve been chasing for the last four or five weeks, and it’s one of the reasons it’s been quite quiet. We’ve been trying to keep it under wraps, knowing that he was offered a contract by Wigan, but knowing his contract was up at the end of June.

“It’s pretty incredible to think that a lad has turned down a contract with a League One football club to sign for Bury Football Club in the NPL. It’s bigger than calling it a major coup for the club, it’s bigger than that.

“For a lad who made an impact as a 19/20 year-old boy for the Club on loan to then come back in as a major signing on a two-year deal is an incredible bit of business for the football Club. It still shows to everybody how big we are as a football club in non-league football.

“I’m really excited about working with Leo over the next couple of years.”