Championship side Preston North End have seen a bid fail in their attempt to secure Premier League Arsenal transfer target Sam Tickle from League One Wigan Athletic. With interest hotting up, where does the youngster’s future lie?
The young goalkeeper has been a stand-out performer for Wigan Athletic which prompted Arsenal to enter discussions over a potential move in the summer. However, they were turned down by the 22-year-old reportedly due to fears over game time. It was felt that remaining with Wigan Athletic would be best for his continued development.
Preston Have Bid Rejected for League One Shot Stopper
However, this has not stopped other clubs attempting to secure his signature. With the goalkeeper still in contract until 2028, and displaying high potential it will cost a significant fee to convince the Latics. Preston North End saw a bid rejected in the last few days and it is unknown at this stage if they will try again, with the deadline fast approaching.
But what is the best option for the young ‘keeper?
Remaining at Wigan Athletic
Tickle is clearly happy at Wigan, he is performing well and is doing no harm to his chances of progressing up the leagues in the future. On the flip side, the club also clearly trust him and rate him highly, they are giving him the game time and patience needed to develop, whilst rejecting deals from higher clubs rather than forcing him out for the cash.
Goalkeepers need to keep playing, finding themselves stuck on the bench can be highly damaging to a player’s development and by moving on it puts that at risk, especially mid way through a season. At a minimum it would likely be best for him to remain until the summer, whereby if he does move on he can firmly cement himself as the number one and get to grips with the defenders in front of him.
Championship Move
The next logical step for a high performer in League One, is a move to the Championship. We have seen goalkeepers take the step up in recent transfer windows, such as Lukas Jensen’s move to Millwall from Lincoln City. It can offer a natural stepping stone to the Premier League, meaning a goalkeeper could either get another move in a few years or even find himself promoted with the right team.
This can go very wrong though, with the high pressure of the second division and the money floating around, if a player has a sticky patch they can soon find themselves on the bench or replaced which would damage the development pathway. Tickle would need to be ready to slot in.
He has the ability to play in the Championship, but whether right now would be right for his development is the question
Premier League Move
We have already seen Premier League interest. Arsenal were keen to bring him into the club to develop him further. This would be the fast track to becoming a top-flight player. However, there is very little chance he would be moving to be number one meaning there would be two options left for him. A place on the bench with the odd cup appearance, or a loan spell back down to the Championship or League One.
Premier League clubs can often hoover up young talent and when they haven’t developed satisfactorily, they get spat out again having missed vital years of development. Tickle was right to decline the offer in the summer and is arguably a better player now for doing so.
So What Should He Do?
Staying put for now, ultimately appears to be the best option. At least until the summer transfer window and look to continue his development with Wigan Athletic. Then he can take a look at what is on offer and decide on the best possible option.
Too many players are too quick to take the first opportunity that presents itself in a higher league. But with the talent he possesses and the belief he has from Wigan it would be foolish to jump ship now.
