Monday, July 4, 2011

Al-Habsi completes Wigan move

Ali Al-Habsi Ali Al-Habsi played a key role as Wigan avoided relegation last season

Wigan have completed the signing of Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi after the clubs agreed a fee thought to be about £4m.


Al-Habsi spent all of last season on loan at the DW Stadium and was the Latics player of the year.


The Oman goalkeeper, one of manager Roberto Martinez's top transfer targets, signed a four-year deal.


"The chairman and everyone at the club are delighted that Ali will be staying at Wigan," said Martinez.





  • 1998-2002: Al-Midhaibi, 56 appearances

  • 2002-2003: Al-Nasr, 27 appearances

  • 2003-2005: Lyn Oslo, 62 appearances

  • 2006- Bolton, 18 appearances

  • 2010-2011 Wigan (loan), 39 appearances

  • Oman - 70 caps


The 29-year-old signed for Bolton in January 2006 but only made 18 appearances, kept out by first-choice keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen.


"I am very happy," said Al-Habsi. "I want to thank everyone at Bolton for helping me get established in this country but I need to be playing first-team football, and hopefully, if I can stay fit and keep doing my best, I will get the chance again at Wigan.


"I think the gaffer is building a really exciting young team here and I am thrilled that I can be part of that again."


Martinez added: "After making it really clear that he wanted to play for Wigan Athletic moving forwards, we've done everything possible to make this happen.


"Goalkeeping is a very specific position and we are very pleased that we are going to be very strong in that department."


Meanwhile, Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill returned to pre-season training along with his team-mates.


The 25-year-old England defender has been linked with a number of Premier League rivals, including Arsenal and Tottenham.


"Gary has been the subject of speculation every day, probably to the point he is frustrated by it," said Bolton manager Owen Coyle.


"If someone comes in with the right deal for Gary and the club, he would go with our blessing. But there has been nothing concrete. Until that changes, Gary is a Bolton player."

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