Chelsea Teen Reggie Walsh Nears Wigan Loan Move

Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh is reportedly close to completing a season-long loan move to League One side Wigan Athletic for the 2026-27 season.

According to transfer reporter Alan Nixon, as reported by FootballTransfers, Walsh is set to join Wigan on a season-long loan. The report says the 17-year-old is close to following Reece James in spending time with the Latics, despite interest from several other English Football League clubs.

A Sports Mole report, citing Football Insider, says Wigan are viewed as favourites to complete a deal for the midfielder. It also reports interest from Championship clubs.

Walsh’s progress at Chelsea

Walsh is regarded as one of Chelsea’s most promising academy products and has made four first-team appearances since breaking into the senior set-up under former head coach Enzo Maresca.

He made his senior debut in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens in May 2025, becoming the club’s third-youngest player in the process. Walsh was then named in the starting XI for the return leg.

The England Under-19 international made his Champions League debut against Ajax in October, appearing as a second-half replacement for Romeo Lavia. Maresca praised Walsh in September 2025 for carrying out the demands he wanted from the position without being instructed to do so during matches.

Walsh also caught the eye for Chelsea’s youth teams last season. He was one of seven academy players selected by new manager Xabi Alonso for the club’s pre-season tour of Australia this summer.

Why Wigan could be the next step

A loan spell would offer Walsh the chance to continue his development in senior football. Wigan compete in League One, while the reports indicate that other EFL clubs have also shown interest in the teenager.

James previously enjoyed a highly successful loan spell with Wigan before making his senior breakthrough at Stamford Bridge. Walsh is now reportedly close to making the same move as he seeks further first-team experience.

Other Chelsea academy loan news

Fellow Chelsea academy player Ryan Kavuma-McQueen may also leave temporarily this summer. The Chelsea Spot reports that Portsmouth are in advanced talks with Chelsea over a season-long loan for the 17-year-old forward.

Kavuma-McQueen scored 13 goals in 26 matches for Chelsea’s youth teams last season and made his senior debut in the club’s 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale.

What happens next

Walsh is reportedly set to join Wigan on a season-long loan for the 2026-27 campaign. The move would give one of Chelsea’s emerging academy players an opportunity to build on his four senior appearances for the club.