Latics sign Granqvist
Chris Hutchings is hoping to build a solid side for his first season in charge
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Tuesday, 19, Jun 2007 12:36
Wigan Athletic have completed the permanent signing of 22-year-old Swedish defender Andreas Granqvist for an undisclosed fee.
The Latics had taken the player on loan in January but he made only one senior appearance against Portsmouth in the third round of the FA Cup.
However he has impressed new Wigan manager Chris Hutchings enough to make his deal permanent and the tall centre-half joins on a two-year deal from Helsingborgs.
"There was a lot of interest in Andreas, which is why I wanted to get this done quickly," Hutchings told the Wigan website.
"Andreas has got bags of potential and I think he has the ability to make a real impact in the Premiership.
"He's good technically, he's strong and powerful and has pace, now it's up to us to make sure we harness that potential and turn him into a Premier League regular."
Granqvist said he is looking forward to continuing to improve his game and become a Premiership regular at the JJB Stadium.
"To play in England has always been a dream for me, and I am thrilled to have sorted out the move," he said.
"I really like the atmosphere at the club and I feel I learned a lot from being involved last season.
"I feel I can now push and challenge for a regular first team place next season. I get on really well with the manager and I am very optimistic about the future now. I can't wait to get back and start challenging for my place."