Hugo Rodallega finally signs for Wigan Athletic - and takes the Number 20!

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm that Colombian international striker Hugo Rodallega has finally signed from Mexican club, Necaxa, subject to international clearance. The fee is undisclosed.

After being granted a work permit last week, the 23 year-old has successfully passed a medical before completing the formalities on a three and a half year contract.

At this stage, it is unclear if he will be eligible to play against Liverpool on Wednesday, but the club is pulling out all the stops to get the international clearance through in time.

Steve Bruce was understandably delighted at finally netting this man and said: "It has taken a while to get all the paper work completed on what has been quite a complicated transfer, but I'm relieved it's all been finalised.

"This is great news for us. I believe this lad can be as big a success in this country as some of our other imports. He is strong and quick, with an eye for goal and I am convinced he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the English Premier League.


SIGN OF THE TIMES - Hugo signs on the dotted line with Chief Executive Brenda Spencer!

"We have had him watched on numerous occasions and I think he has the attributes to make it over here in the long term and go on to be a big player for this club.

"In the short term, his arrival will add competition for places up front. The lad is raring to go and show us what he's made of."

Rodallega came to the attention of the club after scoring 25 goals in 52 games for Necaxa and 6 goals in 21 games for Colombia.

He said: "To play in the English Premier League is a dream come true, now I want to show Steve and all the Wigan fans that they have made a good choice."