Wigan have announced that Ali Al Habsi has completed a permanent move from Bolton.
Oman keeper makes permanent moce after loan last term
Wigan have announced that Ali Al Habsi has completed a permanent move from Bolton.
Skysports.com reported earlier on Monday that Bolton had accepted a £4million bid from Wigan for the 29-year-old goalkeeper.
And the Latics have now confirmed the Oman international has undergone his medical and signed a four-year deal at the DW Stadium.
Al Habsi was named Wigan's player of the year last season after joining the Latics on loan.
"We are delighted to announce the best possible news for Wigan Athletic in securing Ali permanently," manager Roberto Martinez told the club's
official website.
Outstanding performances
"During his loan at our football club last season, Ali brought a great degree of professionalism in his daily work and put in many outstanding performances in the Premier League.
"Goalkeeping is a very specific position and we are very pleased that we are going to be very strong in this department going into the new season. Being voted player of the season reflects the huge impression that Ali had on the pitch but also the feeling of the supporters towards him.
"After making it really clear that he wanted to play for Wigan Athletic moving forwards we've done everything possible to make this happen.
"The chairman and everyone at the football club are delighted that Ali will be staying and I'm sure every single Latics fan will feel extremely proud and be able to enjoy a great day after hearing this news."
Al Habsi joined Bolton in 2006 but mainly provided cover to Jussi Jaaskelainen, making just 10 league appearances for the Trotters.
First-team football
He was then loaned to Wigan last term and although Chris Kirkland began the campaign in goal, Al Habsi soon became first-choice and finished with 34 league games as the Latics survived on the final day.
"I am very happy," he said.
"I want to thank everyone at Bolton for helping me get established in this country but I need to be playing first-team football, and hopefully, if I can stay fit and keep doing my best, I will get the chance again at Wigan.
"I think the gaffer is building a really exciting young team here and I am thrilled that I can be part of that again."
