Southampton Chasing Move for Talented Wigan Athletic Starlet

Southampton Chasing Move for Talented Wigan Youngster

Southampton are looking into a potential move for talented Wigan Athletic youngster Harrison Bettoni in the late stages of the January transfer window, according to Alan Nixon.

The 18-year-old made his first-team breakthrough for The Latics this season, and has made nine League One appearances whilst scoring three goals along the way - two of which coming on his senior EFL debut to single-handedly help Wigan come from 1-0 to Wimbledon to win the game 2-1 late on.

Harrison Bettoni, the matchwinner for @LaticsOfficial 👏

18-year-old Bettoni is the youngest third round goalscorer since Kaide Gordon for Liverpool against Shrewsbury in 2022! pic.twitter.com/VhoPPj56yE

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 10, 2026

He has drawn plenty of praise for his early performances this season, and Southampton have reportedly sent scouts to take in a performance of his recently, wherein Bettoni netted the winner in a 1-0 win over Preston North End to progress in the FA Cup.

Spaces have been vacated in the Southampton squad this window - Tonda Eckert's men suffered another hit to their promotion hopes with a 2-1 loss to Hull City leaving them eight points adrift of the playoffs, and they may view Bettoni as an immediate bolster to their attack as well as one for the future.

Saints have had an active window already. The arrival of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich cleared the path for Gavin Bazunu to leave for Stoke City on loan, whereas talented defender Ronnie Edwards departed the club in a seven-figure switch to QPR.

Bettoni Eyed by Saints with Scouts Dispatched

Southampton are currently stuck in the bottom half of the EFL Championship, and are looking to add some light to their fortunes as they look into the talented Harrison Bettoni as a potential signing, who has burst onto the scene in recent weeks as a professional.

As stated by Nixon on his Patreon, Southampton had dispatched a scout to watch Bettoni as Wigan defeated Preston to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup last week.

Eighteen-year-old Harrison Bettoni’s second-half goal booked @LaticsOfficial a place in the #EmiratesFACup fourth round! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/4ShlnLoADc

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 9, 2026

The teenage forward netted the game-deciding finish in that outing, deflecting a finish home 15 minutes from time to secure progression for his side, and Nixon claims that Southampton may look to move quick on a move for Bettoni to avoid bigger clubs stealing in for him first.

Bettoni is contracted to the Brick Community Stadium until the summer, though the Latics have the option to extend terms by another year. However, the interest coming in from a meant-to-be-top Championship side may be too tempting to ignore on all accounts.