Would be Morecambe FC owner understood to be frontrunner to take over at Wigan Athletic

The would-be new Morecambe FC owner has emerged as a contender to take over Wigan Athletic.

Reports emerged earlier today Sarbjot Johal had launched a bid to take over the Latics, who were put on the market over the weekend by owners, Phoenix 2021.

A statement from their ownership group said: ‘’A deal has been agreed in principle for the sale of Wigan Athletic Football Club to a prospective new buyer - subject to EFL approval.

‘’The prospective new owners have committed to resolving all outstanding liabilities at the earliest opportunity.

‘’Further updates on this process will follow in due course.’’

Beyond Radio understands that potential buyer is Mr Johal, and that Phoenix 2021 are due to meet with English Football League bosses this evening to discuss the deal further (June 5).

Morecambe Football Club was put up for sale in September 2022 by Bond Group, which is owned by Jason Whittingham.

Bond Group's preferred bidder is the 21-year-old entrepreneur, Mr Johal, who has been in protracted negotiations hoping to complete a proposed takeover with his company Sarb Capital Ltd.

The English Football League (EFL) has to approve any prospective new owner of any club. To date, Mr Johal has been unable to complete the takeover.

Where the new development leaves the ongoing takeover, for now, remains unclear.

Mr Johal’s company has also invested funds into the club twice in recent weeks, after player and staff wages were delayed in March, and then again last month, when the Shrimps announced Sarb Capital had made a ‘further significant contribution’ into the club.

Both financial injections were in return for share capital.

Back in February, the EFL released a statement, confirming that the situation with Mr Johal remained ongoing, and further information was required to be provided to them before any approval could be given regarding any purchase of the Shrimps.

Minutes published of a recent meeting between the Morecambe board and the Shrimps Trust, the official supporter’s group, confirmed that the EFL was still waiting on documentation it had requested in February.

Beyond Radio has contacted Morecambe Football Club, but they stated that they did not wish to comment at this time.

We have also contacted the EFL and Sarbjot Johal, but at time of publication had yet to receive a response.

Wigan Athletic have been beset with their own financial issues in recent months. This includes a number of wage delays, which have led to the Latics being docked eight points, ahead of the new season, where they will play in League One, following relegation from the Championship.

Yesterday, Wigan's chief operating officer and a non-executive director, both resigned from their board.