Dara Costelloe is in demand this summer, and Wigan Athletic are the latest club to emerge as a potential suitor for the Burnley forward.
The 22-year-old had somewhat of a breakthrough season, featuring for Accrington Stanley and Northampton Town in each half of the 2024-25 campaign, returning an impressive six goals in 15 appearances for the Cobblers in the latter stage of the season as Kevin Nolan’s side secured League One safety.
Costelloe has since returned to Burnley and has become subject to a plethora of interest from EFL clubs.
Wigan Athletic emerge for Dara Costelloe.
Now, according to Alan Nixon, Wigan Athletic have ‘joined the race’ for the Burnley man.
Wigan Athletic manager, Ryan Lowe, is reportedly willing to push the boat out in order to secure the young forward’s services this summer.
Costelloe would be part of what is expected to be a huge summer for the club, with the former Plymouth Argyle manager hoping to guide his Latics side into a promotion chase after a disappointing 15th-placed finish last season.
Previous reports have linked Leyton Orient and MK Dons with Costelloe, with Paul Warne hoping to convince the forward to drop down to League Two level.
The post states that MK are emerging as the highest cash bidders in this race, however, the prospect of League One football with Orient or Wigan Athletic may pose a huge stake in the striker’s decision.
However, MK Dons are not to be underestimated this summer, having convinced multiple top-end League One performers to drop down to fourth tier level, with Aaron Collins, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, and Gethin Jones making the switch to Stadium MK this summer.
Would this be a good signing for Wigan Athletic?
As previously mentioned, the versatile frontman’s career is on the up, having impressed in both the third and fourth tier last campaign.
Now looking set for a permanent move away from Turf Moor, anyone who secures Costelloe’s signature will be gaining a high-potential asset, as well as a player who could potentially be ready to perform at the top end of League One.
While impressive defensively, goal-scoring form was the Latics’ downfall last season, having scored the least in the division and failing to replace talisman Thelo Aasgaard who departed for Luton Town in January.
Therefore, a target area for Lowe this summer will be the front line, to which the Burnley Academy product could be an excellent addition.
Able to operate in multiple positions across the front line, this poses the potential for Wigan Athletic to build a front line in which the forward could truly flourish.
Despite this, securing his services looks far from over, with MK Dons and Leyton Orient both tough competitors this window while clubs are continuously emerging as potential suitors for Costelloe.
It will be interesting to see if Wigan Athletic can make factors of location and League One football useful in bringing the Burnley player to The Brick Community Stadium this summer.
