Oldham Athletic have secured a season-long loan deal for midfielder Kai Payne from Wigan Athletic. The 21-year-old has joined the League Two side for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, having previously spent a month at Boundary Park in 2024 and the full 2025/26 campaign with Mellon's men.
What happened?
Kai Payne has joined Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic, marking his third temporary spell with the 'other' Latics. The 21-year-old spent last term at Boundary Park, scoring twice in 25 appearances, and also spent a month at Oldham in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign before injury curtailed his stay.
Why it matters for Oldham
The loan signing of Kai Payne is a significant boost for Oldham Athletic as they prepare for their next fixture against Chesterfield on 2027-02-20. The combative midfielder will aim to continue his development with Micky Mellon's side throughout the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
What comes next?
Payne becomes the third departure in just over 24 hours, following Joseph Hungbo's season-long loan move to Swindon Town and Jonny Smith's switch to Rochdale on a two-year contract. Oldham Athletic will look to build on their recent signings and continue their push for a top-half finish in the League Two table.
With Payne's arrival, Oldham Athletic's midfield options have been strengthened, and the team will be eager to see how he adapts to the squad. The loan deal is a significant coup for the club, and fans will be excited to see the young midfielder in action.
As Oldham Athletic prepare for their next fixture against Chesterfield on 2027-02-20, they will be looking to build on their recent performances and continue their push for a top-half finish in the League Two table. With the loan signing of Kai Payne, the team has been strengthened, and fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the squad.
Next fixture: vs Chesterfield (away, 2027-02-20) (15th in the table).
