N'Zogbia ready to leave Wigan
The French star is setting his sights high as regards his next move...
Charles N'Zogbia is likely to join one of the Premier League's top clubs this summer after admitting he doesn't see Wigan as his long-term future.
"At the start Wigan was a springboard club for me,' he revealed.
The French midfielder was the subject of a £9 million bid from Birmingham City over the summer but ended up staying at the DW Stadium. Although no official reason was given as to why the move collapsed, it's thought that it was due to player and club not agreeing on personal terms whilst there were also suggestions that he had last-minute doubts over the club's short-term ambition. N'Zogbia appears to be desperate to play for a club who will qualify for Europe next season as opposed to one who will be challenging for a European place next season.
If both the player and Wigan do decide that a move is in everyone's best interest, there will be no shortage of top clubs interested in his services. In what has been a pretty miserable season for Wigan so far that has left them currently sitting in 18th place, N'Zogbia has been their best attacking player, contributing four goals and five assists. He can play as a second striker or on the left wing, which may means he's of particular interest to Liverpool, for whom that flank has been a problem area. Albert Riera left the club in acrimonious circumstances, World Cup star Milan Jovanovic hasn't settled since his summer move, featuring in just eight league matches and completing only two, whilst Joe Cole has been plagued by injuries and loss of form. If it's big wages the former Newcastle man is after, Liverpool would be able to meet his demands.
Wigan fans needn't worry that for the time being he isn't fully committed to help the club avoid the drop though.
"I've been here two years and I want to do everything possible to keep the club in the Premier League. " said N'Zogbia. Whether he and his team-mates can pull it off though is another matter; the Latics are just 1.55 for the drop on Betfair.
Published: 26 Feb 2011
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