QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh appears destined to join Wigan Athletic on loan for the upcoming season.
Despite being QPR’s No 1 for large chunks of last season, where he made 23 appearances in the Championship and mixed the highs with the lows, Alan Nixon’s reporting Walsh is set to move down to League One and Wigan will be his destination.
Tickle Replacement
Having lost Sam Tickle to Bristol City, the Latics have acted quickly to replace their departing first-choice gloveman in what looms as a big season for both Walsh and Wigan. Having been selected for the League One Team of the Season back in 2024/25 and flexed his muscles consistently, replacing Tickle will be easier said than done for Walsh.
Given QPR have released Ben Hamer and Paul Nardi this summer, it’s a clear sign that Walsh, who signed a new deal with QPR in 2025, isn’t viewed as the man to step in between the posts for the coming campaign for Julien Stephan’s men.
Club Backing
Latics’ new goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller was reportedly key in approving this transfer, Wigan Today reported, as he’ll back himself and believe he can improve Walsh’s game further and fill the void left by Tickle, which will instil him with immense confidence and faith from the outset.
Wanting a regular starting berth, it’s easy to understand why he’d be happy to make the switch to Wigan, where he should be the main man and won’t want to waste any time sitting on the bench. Moreover, with him still only 24 and his best years in front of him, getting consistent minutes and continuity will be essential for his development.
Room For Improvement
Upon glancing at his Opta data in the Championship in the 2025/2026 crusade, and the fact he ranked last for goals prevented on -7.7 underlines the fact there’s plenty of work to be done to refine his craft.
With Gary Caldwell looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the campaign, which has already seen them secure the services of Max Power, Connor Barrett, Sonny Perkins and Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, Walsh will be a handy addition even if his shot-stopping came in for criticism at times.
Caldwell The Man
After arriving as manager Gary Caldwell fresh off a 6-1 hammering by Peterborough United, Caldwell returned to club with the remit of steering his beloved team to safety. And that he did, by overseeing a terrific run that saw them clinch seven wins and propel them well clear of the dreaded drop zone.
Seeing as Wigan are desperate for an uplift in form after their struggles in recent seasons, where they’ve finished 12th, 15th and 16th in League One in the previous three terms, Caldwell appears to be the perfect choice to orchestrate their rise up the table, and Walsh will be hoping he’s the one chosen for the journey as Wigan set their sights on pushing toward the play‑offs.
