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Young Manchester United defender Reece James has signed for Wigan Athletic, according to BBC Sport. Both clubs have confirmed the development on their official websites with the 21-year-old deciding on a move away from Old Trafford after failing to make the step up to the senior team.
James has signed a three-year contract with the League-One club for an undisclosed fee and is their ninth signing of the summer as Wigan look to refresh their squad following their relegation from the Championship.
Latics boss Gary Caldwell has expressed his delight at securing the services of James, in a statement released on Wigan’s official website.
“Reece is a young player with a bright future. He has been schooled by one of the best academies around and has impressed both at Under 21 level and whilst on loan,” Caldwell said.
“He is another who will strengthen competition on that left side, and has played as a full-back, or in a wing back role. Once again, there were clubs after him so we’re delighted to add him to the squad.”
Reece signed professional terms with United in the summer of 2012 and impressed for U-21’s before being given his chance for the senior team during the 2014-15 pre-season. He enjoyed a dream debut as he scored twice against LA Galaxy and was on the fringes of the first team at the start of the season.
His competitive debut for the first team though turned out to be a disaster. He started in the 4-0 reverse against MK Dons before being loaned out to Rotherham and then Huddersfield Town in the Championship.
Wigan Athletic perfect for me: James
With the number of left-footed defenders at United, James felt it was time for a move away from Old Trafford. The young defender has already given his first interview since joining the Latics and confirmed that a lack of opportunities at United had forced him to take the decision.
“I had some great times with Manchester United but you get to a point in your career where you know your limits and I knew I wasn’t going to kick on into the first team so I needed to change and play some games and I feel Wigan Athletic is the perfect club to do that with,” James said on the club’s website.
“The move came about quite quickly for me; Once I expressed my desire to move, it was sorted in three or four days and thanks to the chairman and the manager the move was completed quickly,” he added.
James also opened on the reasons for opting the DW Stadium as his home for the next three years.
“I knew there were a few clubs interested in me and then I heard of Wigan Athletic’s interest which really stood out to me. It’s a massive club and they’ve had a lot of joy in the last few years so for me it was really interesting to hear of the interest,” he continued.
“I spoke to the chairman and manager here and that was a major factor in me signing, it’s also not too far from home and that’s another good factor for me that appeals but the main contribution in my decision was the club’s recent history and ambition to return to where it has been.”
Speaking about his expectations for the season, James said: “I like to get the ball down and pass, be attack-minded as much as possible and travel down to the by-line with the ball and put crosses in. I’ll do what I can to help the team win and always give my all.”
