A few days later, a deal was finally confirmed to the delight of the Wigan fans, but the one that actually got over the line first was neither of them because just two days after Femi Seriki's transfer interest was announced, another signing came through, though this time, it was confirmed.
"Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Mateus Reyes from Real Sociedad on a three-year deal."
The post went up on a Tuesday morning with a picture of him in a blue and white shirt, arms folded, looking at the camera with the particular expression of someone who had been asked to smile for a promotional photograph and had compromised on something in the middle.
The reaction was immediate and split almost perfectly down the middle.
The fans who knew Real Sociedad's recent seasons recognised the name and were quietly pleased.
