Reason behind Newcastle United transfer ‘delay’ as loanee ‘wanted to watch Love Island’

Newcastle United defender Kell Watts has returned to Wigan Athletic for a second loan spell but there was a slight delay in his announcement. The 23-year-old’s medical had to be pushed back because he ‘insisted on watching Love Island.’

And that’s straight from the horse’s mouth too. Wigan doctor and GP Jonathan Tobin took to Twitter following the club’s announcement of Watts’ arrival to add some very unexpected context.

“The only pre-signing medical I’ve ever done that had to be delayed because the signee insisted on watching Love Island. Not even joking,” he wrote in a lighthearted tweet. “Tics, I give you Kell Watts. Some fella.”

The Newcastle man rejoins Wigan after last representing them during the 2020/21 season. He played a total of 35 matches for the Latics and helped them clinch the League One title. They’ll be pushing for their best possible finish this time round following their relegation from the Championship.

Watts spent last season out on loan as well but this time to Peterborough. However, the centre-back didn’t get a proper run out, as he picked up a hamstring injury in January which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Latics boss Shaun Maloney is excited to have Watts back on the roster as team prepares for a tough season ahead.

“A left-sided centre-back is a difficult profile to get, so he’s a really positive signing for us,” he said. “Off the pitch, he’s the right type of character that we need, and he was extremely popular amongst staff and previous players during his last loan here.”

Newcastle are yet to integrate Watts fully into their first team as they boast quick a well-stacked squad. The defender has made just one senior appearance for the Magpies during his career, which came in the form of a Premier League cameo during the 2019/20 season.