Cooper to Wigan? Speculation Mounts Around Swansea Midfielder’s Future

Speculation is intensifying around the future of Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper, with reports strongly linking him with a move to League One side Wigan Athletic. The news, initially reported by journalist Alan Nixon, suggests that Wigan manager Ryan Lowe is keen to add the Welsh international to his squad as the Latics look to bolster their attacking options.

For Swansea fans, this news will undoubtedly spark a debate on whether such a move would be beneficial or detrimental to the club.

Cooper, a product of the Swans’ academy, signed a new contract in October 2024, committing his future to the club until 2027.¹ However, his playing time under current head coach Alan Sheehan significantly decreased last season. After returning from a three-month absence due to a stress fracture in his foot, Cooper was largely restricted to substitute appearances, with all 12 of his Championship outings coming from the bench. This suggests he may not be in Sheehan’s immediate plans for the upcoming 2025-26 season, with players like Goncalo Franco, Melker Widdell and Liam Cullen seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order for midfield and number 10 roles.

From a Swansea perspective, a move for Cooper could be viewed in different ways:

The Potential Upside (Good for the Swans):

• Freeing Up Wages and Squad Space: If Cooper isn’t a regular starter, his departure would free up a wage packet and a squad spot, allowing the club to reinvest in areas where Sheehan believes new signings are more critical.
• Generating a Transfer Fee: Cooper’s contract running until 2027 means Wigan would likely need to pay a decent fee for his services, rather than a loan deal. While exact valuations vary, some sources suggest his estimated transfer value is between €1.8M and €2.7M. This income could be crucial for a Championship club operating within financial constraints.
• Player Development: If Cooper isn’t getting consistent minutes at the Swansea.com Stadium, a move to Wigan, where he might be a more central figure, could be beneficial for his personal development and allow him to regain the form that saw him become a Wales international.

The Potential Downside (Bad for the Swans):

• Loss of a Homegrown Talent: Cooper has been with Swansea since he was 12 and has shown glimpses of real quality, particularly in the 2022-23 season when he scored six goals and provided two assists. Losing a homegrown player with international caps always stings for supporters.
• Depth Concerns: While Cooper’s playing time diminished under Sheehan, he still offers versatility in midfield and attacking roles. His departure could leave the squad thinner, especially if injuries or suspensions hit.
• Potential for Regret: Football is full of stories of players leaving for less and then excelling elsewhere. If Cooper thrives at Wigan, it could be a source of frustration for Swansea fans who believe he wasn’t given a fair chance or fully utilized.

Ultimately, the decision on Ollie Cooper’s future will come down to a balance between the club’s financial needs, the manager’s tactical plans, and the player’s desire for consistent playing time. For now, Swansea fans will be watching closely to see how this speculation unfolds, weighing the potential benefits of a transfer fee against the loss of a player who, at his best, has proven he can contribute significantly.