Oldham Athletic have recently confirmed the loan return of Wigan Athletic striker Josh Stones, but here’s why the transfer itself poses a significant risk compared to the first time around.
Stones has joined Oldham Athletic on loan until January 2nd, which is also when the EFL transfer window opens and sees him link up with the side that he spent a period on loan at last season.
The 20-year-old joined Oldham Athletic on loan in December 2023, spending just less than a month with the club before an injury saw him rerun to the League One side. However, within that time he scored three goals and provided three assists in just four league matches.
His return arrives as Oldham Athletic are cruising towards the top of the National League standings and have tasted defeat just once in their last 15 matches in all competitions, but here’s why the reunion poses a major risk this time around.
He’s only at Oldham until January
Admittedly, this could very quickly be shut down if Oldham Athletic were to either purchase him before other interest looms or a loan extension is reached.
However, if Stones replicates his old form heading into the January transfer window, there is a significant risk that an EFL side could come calling for Stones, although that would be a higher fee due to his contract lasting until June 2026.
Wigan Athletic could also sign a permanent striker in January but that is unlikely to occur within the first 48 hours of the window opening, again posing a risk that Stones could have to return to the League One side.
Fellow journalist Alan Nixon did report that National League rivals York City had eyes on Stones and that the player was open to a permanent exit, which could see an intriguing situation play out.
Is Stones a want not need deal?
There is no denying that Josh Stones returning to Oldham Athletic is a fantastic piece of business and improves what is already a very strong side, especially following the arrival of experienced EFL midfielder Sam Clucas.
With the form of Mike Fondop and with James Norwood also returning to the goalscoring sheet in recent outings, there is an argument to say that Oldham Athletic didn’t necessarily need Josh Stones.
What will be intriguing to National League fans including myself is whether Stones is immediately throw in at the deep end against a strong Barnet side. Similarly, the tactical role that Stones is placed into will make for an intriguing viewing.
The risk with a transfer return like this is that you don’t want to disrupt the form players that your side currently possess and also, you are banking on the player hitting the ground running which is why a mid-season loan deal is always a risky strategy for clubs.
Verdict:
Without any shadow of a doubt, Josh Stones improves the Oldham Athletic attack, and adds goal scoring attributes to a side that is already in superb league form.
Of course, the risk with this deal is that he does well and an EFL side comes calling in January and prices Oldham out, with the pull of the football league being a huge factor.
For example, Burton Albion are rock bottom of League One and Carlisle United are struggling in League Two. Both clubs have money and can offer Stones EFL football which Oldham would struggle to match at this moment in time – though that doesn’t mean this situation would ever play out.
Oldham fans should be delighted with this signing but they do need to be cautious and patient as there is a lot more risk on this move this time around.