Wigan Athletic forward makes late loan move to Ireland after being sent off in last game

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Wigan Athletic forward Asamoah Junior joins Shamrock Rovers on loan

Wigan Athletic forward Maleace Asamoah Junior has made a late loan move to the Republic of Ireland after being sent off in his final game for the League One club.

Despite the bulk of new signings across Europe being brought in last month before close on deadline day, the League of Ireland’s transfer window shut on 22 February, meaning Men’s Division clubs could still complete more business.

With that in mind, after being monitored by Shamrock Rovers over the last few months, Asamoah Jr has now joined the Irish champions on loan until the end of the season.

Announcing the eleventh-hour departure on social media, Wigan fans have been left divided over the last-minute deal, complimenting Asamoah’s pace and increasingly regular minutes, while others think it’s a good move for both.

While some have joked that it’s a ‘harsh’ response following his red card in the defeat against Stockport County over the weekend, the interest was obviously pre-existing.

For context, Asamoah Jr was dismissed for a poorly-timed and full-blooded challenge, which ultimately saw Gary Caldwell’s side reduced to nine men, with the Hatters going on to win 4-2.

The 23-year-old was set to serve a three-match EFL ban, and although some supporters questioned whether this would mean avoiding the punishment, the suspension is still said to carry over to Ireland’s top flight.

The Oxford-born winger joined the Latics back in 2024, but previously played in the Emerald Isle for Waterford FC, where he enjoyed his most productive attacking stint, scoring six times in 17 appearances.

Having now been confirmed as the Shamrock’s latest signing, the son of fellow former professional and Ghanaian international Derek Asamoah, is among a number of new recruits for the Rovers.

Speaking on the signing, head coach Stephen Bradley wrote in a club statement: “The signing has taken some time; there was a lot of back-and-forth with it. Maleace has been a target of ours for some time.

“Some weeks back, it looked like it was on, then it was off, but we’re delighted we got it done yesterday. We were working right up to the deadline to make sure the loan went through, so I am delighted that we got it done.”

Having played nearly half a century of games for the Greater Manchester team, his parent club will no doubt hope that he returns having developed even further; in addition to his impressive pace, many feel he has lots of raw attributes that can be tapped into.

And in case you missed the game in question, you can watch the highlights from Stockport County vs Wigan Athletic down below.

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Featured Images — Latics TV (screenshot via YouTube)

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