Wigan Athletic have today completed the signing of Peterborough United’s versatile midfielder Leonardo Da Silva Lopes.
The Latics confirmed the deal on their official twitter page, with the 19-year-old signing a four year deal at the DW Stadium.
🗣️ "I'm desperate to be a part of this journey, it's a really exciting time for Wigan Athletic."
Welcome to our second summer signing, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes 👇https://t.co/ZHXdRHDFLD#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/RlXl2cjKy1
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) June 5, 2018
Although the fee is officially ‘undisclosed’ it has been confirmed that it is at least £1 million. Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony tweeted yesterday stating that the club had accepted a seven figure bid from a club for one of their players, and despite speculation that Jack Marriott or Marcus Maddison would be on their way out, Leo Da Silva Lopes was in fact the player in question.
Following the confirmation of the deal, the Posh chairman tweeted this:
Delighted for you Leo & well done to our Academy with another 7 figure sale on talented teenager who will do brilliant as he rises through the leagues. Not always appreciated as 'One of our own' whilst here but football people can see the talent. We will Miss you Leo 👏🏻!
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) June 5, 2018
He also confirmed that Posh had inserted a large sell-on clause in the deal, which will see them receive a substantial fee if Wigan decide to sell Da Silva Lopes at any point.
The 19-year-old midfielder graduated through the youth academy at Peterborough United before making his debut for the Cambridgeshire club in April 15 at the tender age of 16.
He was a bit of an enigma during his time at the ABAX Stadium, with many fans not particularly taking to him, but accumulating almost 100 Football League appearances before the age of 20 is an impressive achievement, and he has the potential to be a big player for Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Latics have just enjoyed an excellent season in the third tier of English football, winning the Sky Bet League One title in their first season back there, earning them an immediate return to the Sky Bet Championship.