Exclusive: Wigan Athletic caution raised over Jordan Rhodes move | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his verdict on reports that Wigan Athletic are interested in former Blackpool striker Jordan Rhodes.

Pundit Don Goodman admits he has doubts over whether Jordan Rhodes could form a strike partnership with Paul Mullin next season if he completes a move to Wigan Athletic following his release by Blackpool.

Rhodes initially joined Blackpool on loan from Huddersfield Town in August 2023, and after he scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 32 games during his temporary spell, the Seasiders signed him on a permanent basis last summer.

However, Rhodes fell out of favour last season at Bloomfield Road under Steve Bruce, and he was loaned out to fellow League One side Mansfield Town in January, but he struggled to rediscover his form at the One Call Stadium.

Rhodes was released by Blackpool at the end of his contract this summer, and, according to Alan Nixon, Wigan are keen to bring him to the Brick Community Stadium on a free transfer, but they face competition for his signature from Burton Albion, with Brewers boss Gary Bowyer believed to be looking to reunite with the 35-year-old after working with him previously at Blackburn Rovers.

The Latics were the lowest goalscorers in the third tier last season with just 40 league goals to their name, but while they have already brought in two strikers this summer in Christian Saydee and Paul Mullin, it seems manager Ryan Lowe is keen to strengthen his forward line even further.

Don Goodman raises Paul Mullin concern as Wigan Athletic target Jordan Rhodes

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said that Rhodes could be a useful player for Wigan to have in their squad next season, but he questioned whether he would be able to form a prolific strike partnership with Mullin.

"I think anybody would want the ability to bring a goalscorer like Jordan Rhodes off the bench if they need a goal in the last 15-20 minutes," Goodman said.

"That's where it seems to be at now for Jordan.

"He only started six League One games last season and was brought on in plenty of others.

"It's hard to see the pair of them as a strike partnership, but Wigan are going for it in the striking department.

"They've signed Christian Saydee and Paul Mullin, and to add Jordan Rhodes would be a statement of intent that Ryan Lowe wants to get on the front foot.

"But I do think, at this stage of his career, Jordan would not be a regular starter and more one that could come on and impact games."

Wigan Athletic should be cautious over Jordan Rhodes move

Rhodes has been a clinical goalscorer in the EFL throughout his career, but after an underwhelming campaign last season for both Blackpool and Mansfield, it seems his best days may be behind him.

Wigan have already signed one unproven striker at League One level in Mullin, who scored just three league goals for Wrexham last season, while Saydee was far from prolific during his time at Portsmouth, so Lowe would be taking another big gamble by signing Rhodes.

As Goodman says, Rhodes could be an excellent option for the Latics to have in the squad to bring off the bench late in games, but as a regular starter, it is difficult to see him scoring the goals needed to fire the Lancashire outfit up the table.