Latics capture Granqvist

Last updated : 28 December 2006 By Paul Farrington
Andreas Granqvist: On loan until the end of the season
Granqvist was captain of his club side Helsingborg and has one full cap for Sweden. He will be elligable to play for the Latics on the 6th of Jauary in the fixture with Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round, subject to international clearance.

Paul Jewell was delighted with the capture, and he told the club's official website: "He's a lad we've been keeping tabs on for a long time. We've had him watched in Sweden several times and he has really impressed me in training. He's strong, committed, reads the game well and I think the Premiership will suit his style.

"He's here until the end of the season in the first instance. We can use this time to look at him properly and see how he adapts to the rigors of what is the toughest league in the world. We'll review the situation at the end of the season but for the moment we need to concentrate on the next four months."

While Granqvist himself added: "To play in England has always been a dream for me, and I am thrilled to have sorted out the move. I liked working with the manager in training, and I can see there is already a great squad here.

"I have spoken to Andreas (Johansson) about the club and he told me about the team spirit and how he thinks Wigan will suit me. I know there are some really good defenders at the club, and I am going to have to fight for my place but that is fine.

"I couldn't turn down the opportunity to play in England, and to try and test myself against some of the best players in the world and I hope I can repay the faith Wigan have shown in me by performing well for the club."

Welcome to Wigan Andreas.