Huddersfield Town manager Lee Grant has insisted that Joe Taylor still has a future at the club despite completing a loan move to League One rivals Wigan Athletic yesterday.
The 23-year-old joined the Terriers a year ago in a reported £3 million fee from Luton Town. The move followed a long running saga, where the West Yorkshire side had been heavily linked with the striker for a number of months.
Huddersfield’s interest first emerged after they suffered relegation from the Championship in 2024. This coincided with the end of Taylor’s impressive loan spell at Lincoln City, where he scored 10 goals in 19 appearances.
His arrival at the Accu Stadium was met with excitement amongst supporters, but it’s fair to say the former Peterborough United forward has endured a difficult 12 months. This season has been particularly tough and despite three goals in the opening seven games, he fell out of the matchday squad completely by December.
Grant Keeps Door Ajar For Taylor
It appears as if Taylor is at a crossroads in his career. Highly rated amongst Luton supporters, there were many who felt he wasn’t given the opportunities he deserved by former boss Rob Edwards.
The transfer to Huddersfield hasn’t quite worked out thus far, but he remains under contract until 2029. There is no option to buy included in his temporary move to Wigan, meaning he will return to his parent club at the end of the campaign.
Speaking about his striker’s future, Grant remained adamant that he is a part of his long term plans. Via Yorkshire Post, he said:
“I think for me and Joe, we’ve been pretty clear on that if we can get some growth in certain areas, I think he’s got a wonderful chance to be a really good player.
“As long as Joe is able to push on that and really buy into the idea of his own development, then I don’t see Joe having any problems in achieving all the things that I think he can.
“Like I’ve said to Joe as well, there’s a reason I gave Joe the number nine shirt when I came to the football club; for him to be a leader.”
Wigan Represents Huge Opportunity
The move to Wigan does hold similarities to the switch Taylor made to Lincoln in January 2024. He moved to Sincil Bank with the Imps languishing in mid table and crying out for a goalscorer.
If Wigan get this version of Joe Taylor, they’ve got a real gem ⚽️#wafc #htafc pic.twitter.com/HC1qs8yF5w
— The Deck (@TheDeckEFL) January 15, 2026
Although the attacker was in full swing following his loan spell at Colchester United during the first half of the campaign, he hit the ground running. His form sparked Michael Skubala’s team into life, elevating them into the play-off positions with his 10 goals. However, they dropped out the top six on the final day following a defeat against League One champions Portsmouth.
The Latics are in a similar position. They currently sit 15th in the table, although still won’t have given up on a push for the top six over the next few months.
Their form in front of goal is a real concern though. Ryan Lowe’s team have found the back of the net just 26 times in 24 games and it is hoped that their latest recruit will be the answer to those problems.
The Lancashire-based side do create chances though and are lacking that serial finisher. They’ve created 369 chances this season, converting just 7%. On paper, this looks like a huge opportunity for both the player and the club.