Chelsea youngster Walsh joins Wigan on loan

Chelsea youngster Reggie Walsh has moved to Wigan Athletic on loan for the season.

The 17-year-old midfielder will spend the campaign with the League One club as he looks to build on the four senior appearances he has already made for Chelsea.

Walsh broke into the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge last season, making his debut against Djurgarden in the Conference League while still aged 16.

That appearance made him the third-youngest player to represent Chelsea at senior level.

The move to Wigan will give Walsh the opportunity to gain more regular experience in senior football, with the teenager viewed as one of the standout prospects to have emerged from Chelsea’s academy.

He will also follow a familiar path, with former Chelsea defender Reece James having spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Wigan before establishing himself in the Blues’ first team.

Walsh said the chance to play regularly against experienced senior players was an important factor in his decision to join Wigan.

“Being 17, I need to play men’s football,” he told Latics TV.

“I believe this is the perfect environment for me to be in and build my career.”