Wigan win the race to sign ex-Luton striker from Huddersfield

Ex-Luton striker Joe Taylor has left Huddersfield Town to join Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old moved to Kenilworth Road at this stage of the campaign in January 2023, arriving from Peterborough United, as he spent two years with the Hatters, playing 19 times without scoring, although did feature in the Championship play-off final win over Coventry City at Wembley, when he was on target in the penalty shootout success.

Taylor had two excellent loan spells at Colchester United and Lincoln City after that, before heading to the Terriers for an undisclosed fee in January 2025 for an undisclosed fee. He played 42 times for the Terriers, with nine goals, but has now become the Latics’ first signing of the transfer window, as a club statement on the official website said: “Wigan Athletic are pleased to confirm the loan signing of Huddersfield Town striker Joe Taylor, subject to EFL and FA approval.

“A major coup for the football club, Latics fought off serious competition from their Sky Bet League One counterparts to win the race for the in-demand striker. The 23-year-old becomes Ryan Lowe’s first signing of the January transfer window, arriving on loan at the Brick Community Stadium for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.”

Wigan sporting director Gregor Rioch said about the move: “Joe is a player we’ve admired for some time, and we’re very pleased to bring him to Wigan Athletic. He had his pick of clubs during this window, so we’re delighted he has chosen to join us and be part of what we’re building here. Huge credit must go to Ryan and Joe Riley, who are working tirelessly to add real quality to the squad this window.

"They have been instrumental in convincing Joe that Wigan Athletic was the right place for him at this stage of his career. Joe is a forward with a proven goalscoring record across the EFL and, despite his young age, has already gained valuable experience. He will add competition, quality, and depth to our attacking options for the remainder of the campaign, and we hope he gives our supporters plenty to cheer about in the months ahead."

Meanwhile, on his move to the Latics, Taylor, who will go up against the Hatters on February 17 when Town head to Greater Manchester, himself added: “I am excited to be here, I'm all ready and looking towards Saturday, which is set to be a great occasion. I've come here to score goals. It's a massive football club with very high aspirations, and I am really looking forward to being part of that."