Wigan Athletic may face a battle to retain first-choice goalkeeper Sam Tickle this summer, with Championship side Sheffield United reportedly keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old.
The Latics have no intention of selling their prized asset, who remains under contract at the DW Stadium until 2028. However, interest is beginning to grow amid mounting uncertainty at Bramall Lane, where the Blades could be forced to part ways with current number one Michael Cooper.
Tickle, who has been a standout performer for Wigan since becoming the club’s first-choice keeper in 2023, is believed to be one of several names under consideration should Cooper depart. According to The Star, United view Tickle as a potential long-term successor, though no formal move is expected unless their existing goalkeeper is sold.
Tickle Continues to Impress
After working his way through the Wigan academy, Tickle has established himself as one of League One’s most reliable and exciting young goalkeepers. Last season, he made 51 appearances across all competitions and kept 18 clean sheets in a campaign where Wigan showed flashes of their promotion potential.
Having gained early experience on loan in non-league football with Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands, the England youth international has grown in stature each season. Now with 105 senior appearances for the Latics under his belt, the 23-year-old’s development has not gone unnoticed.
Tickle signed a new long-term contract in 2024, tying him down until 2028, and the club sees him as a central figure in their ongoing rebuild under Ryan Lowe. While that deal gives Wigan a strong negotiating position, it also highlights the value they place on a player who could be vital to their ambitions this season.
What’s Prompted the Interest?
Sheffield United are facing an uncertain few weeks as speculation swirls around Michael Cooper’s future. The former Plymouth Argyle keeper was outstanding in his first season at Bramall Lane, keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 Championship appearances during 2024/25.
That form has attracted attention from the Premier League, with both Everton and West Ham United reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old. Though United are keen to retain Cooper for another promotion push, reports suggest they may consider offers in the region of £15 million.
Should that valuation be met, the Blades would be in the market for a replacement – and that’s where Tickle comes in. He’s understood to be among the preferred candidates, thanks to his consistency, shot-stopping ability, and Championship-ready potential.
Where Wigan Stand
From Wigan’s perspective, Tickle remains untouchable, unless a substantial offer arrives. With the 2025/26 League One campaign just days away, losing a player of his quality would be a serious blow, especially given the club’s ambition to challenge at the top end of the table after a period of financial and managerial instability.
His age, contract length, and performances all position Wigan strongly in any negotiations. Unless United make a firm approach, and Cooper is sold, no movement is currently expected. But the Latics will know how quickly these situations can change in the final month of the window.
Site Opinion
Wigan’s stance is the right one. In Sam Tickle, they have one of the best young goalkeepers in the EFL, and they hold all the cards thanks to a contract that runs for another three years.
While it’s flattering that Championship clubs are taking notice, there’s no rush to sell, nor should there be. The Latics’ ambitions this season will rely on keeping key players like Tickle, who has grown into a real leader at the back.
Should Sheffield United lose Michael Cooper, they could certainly do worse than look to Tickle. But for now, unless a bid comes in that forces a rethink, Wigan should continue to build their promotion hopes with one of the division’s top stoppers still between the sticks.
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