Cameroon international left back Salomon Olembe makes it a perfect ten for Chris Hutchings

Wigan Athletic have signed Cameroon international left-sided defender Salomon Olembe, subject to international clearance and approval from the Premier League Board to register a player outside the transfer window. 

The 26 year-old was a free agent after finishing his contract at French giants Marseille in June and Latics have moved quickly to sign him ahead of several other clubs. He has signed a one year deal initially.

Olembe, who has 60 caps for Cameroon and has appeared in the World Cup for his nation, had a season with Leeds United in the 2003-04 season, and has won the French title as well as playing in the UEFA Cup.


SAL SHINE: Olembe in Training Today

Nicknamed 'Little Daddy' at Marseilles, Olembe is a dynamic style of full-back, who is extremely quick and has a powerful left foot shot. He has also played in a holding role and Hutchings said he is delighted to have filled 'the last piece of the jigsaw'

Latics manager Chris Hutchings said: "Salomon is an experienced campaigner, who's played at the highest level. We've had our eye on him for quite a while, and like all our signings, we have done a lot of research on him.

"He knows what the demands of the Premier League are and he can speak the language, which is important. You need to be able to adapt to the demands of the English game, and I'm confident that he will fit the bill.

"He's a clever player, he's got pace, a great left peg and is strong in the tackle."

Hutchings added: "We were working right up until the transfer window to try and get a left back to the club but one of two players didn't work out, for various reasons. But we didn't panic because we knew the Salomon deal could happen after the window closed and I'm confident now that we can keep progressing."

Salomon, a former team mate of Antoine Sibierski at French club Nantes, will now be available for the match against Fulham on September 15 following the suspension of Kevin Kilbane, but Hutchings was at pains to point out that Olembe will faces stiff competition when Kilbane is available again.

"I thought Kevin was very unlucky to be sent off at Newcastle," said Hutchings, "and to be fair to him, he has done brilliantly for us this season and shown me that he has the ability to fill the left back position. There is good competition in every position now, which is exactly what I wanted to achieve from the summer's business."