Wigan Athletic have secured the signing of former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan, as confirmed on the club’s official website.
The 27-year-old joins the Latics, subject to international clearance, following his release from Russia giants Anzhi Makhachkala last month. Wigan boss Warren Joyce spent two years with Obertan at Manchester United and is now re-united with the Frenchman, who signed a short-term contract until the end of the season.
Following time at the Paris-Saint Germain academy, Obertan made his name for himself at Ligue 1 club Bordeaux and made over 50 appearances in France before making a surprise move to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United aged just 20. However, injury problems and a struggle to accustom to life in the Premier League meant Obertan’s game-time under Ferguson was limited and he left Old Trafford with just 28 appearances in the famous red shirt.
The former France U21 international joined Newcastle United for a reported £3 million and was initially more successful than his spell in Manchester, but his time in the Premier League concluded last summer following the Magpies’s relegation. Obertan was released from the Tyneside club with just over 75 appearances in five seasons and signed a two-year deal in Russia.
In the Russian Premier League, six starts was all the 6 foot 1 winger accumulated and his contract was cancelled by mutual consent last month. After a disappointing career since leaving his home country of France, Obertan will be hoping to prove himself at Wigan.
Warren Joyce said, “He adds great experience to the squad and offers us another option in the wide areas. He’s a top professional with great quality.”
Obertan should boost Wigan’s chances of Championship survival as the Latics sit in 22nd place and are two points from safety. A tough fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday may be the first glimpse Wigan fans will get of their new signing.
