Wigan Athletic and Oxford United chase Sunderland defender

Wigan Athletic and Oxford United are looking to secure the signing of Sunderland defender Zak Johnson this summer.

Johnson spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at York City where he was part of the team that amassed 108 points and clinched the National League title on the final day of the season.

He featured 25 times for the Minstermen, who are looking to seal a permanent transfer for the centre-back.

The 21-year-old is available on a free transfer with his contract at Sunderland set to expire this month.

Johnson is free to leave the club as the Black Cats prepare for another season in the top-flight as well as European football.

The defender has only ever made cup appearances for Sunderland and he has spent time out on loan at Hartlepool United, Dundalk and Notts County prior to his time at York.

The League Two newboys were seen as the leading contenders to sign Johnson but the emergence of interest from League One clubs could scupper their plans.

Football Insider have reported that Wigan and Oxford are at the top of the list to secure his signature.

Oxford will be looking to seal an immediate return to the Championship following their relegation last season and manager Matt Bloomfield is in the market for defensive reinforcements.

While Johnson could face a fight to start at the Kassam Stadium, a move to Wigan could provide him with a better route to regular first-team football.

Wigan finished 16th in League One last season and they will be hoping to build a squad that is capable of challenging in the top-half of the table.

Matt Gibbs

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