This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook has strengthened his squad with the signing of Leeds United left-back Tom Pearce for an undisclosed fee, as confirmed on the club website.

The England U-21 international has signed a three-year deal at Wigan, having played 10 games for the Whites.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Scunthorpe United, scoring once in nine games as the Iron were relegated from League One, and it was seemingly clear that he had no part to play in Marcelo Bielsa's first-team at Leeds.

But, will Leeds regret letting Pearce leave?

We discuss........

Alfie Burns

“Pearce had lost his way massively at Elland Road and Leeds had to cut ties with him this summer.

“For Wigan, there will be hope that Pearce can get back to the standard he showed when he first broke onto the scene at Leeds, but for the Whites, they clearly felt that level wasn’t on the verge of returning.

“In Leif Davis, Leeds have a very good young left-back at the club, and he was probably blocking Pearce’s opportunities. Then, when you consider Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski, Bielsa is well stocked.

“The Whites won’t regret this move, and Wigan will have to be patient with a player that’s lost a lot of confidence.”

Ben Lang

"I'm surprised to see Leeds let him go on a permanent deal, as he is still a young player with plenty of promise.

"He is very skilful for a defender and possesses confidence the ball, so I find it surprising Bielsa has not taken more of a liking to him. The Argentine is keen to not have too many personnel in the squad, so he couldn't have seen Pearce getting much game time this season.

"I think this is a deal Leeds could certainly come to regret, as Pearce will surely work his way into Wigan's starting line-up and establish himself with the Latics. Therefore, this move should be good for Pearce's playing time.

"I do feel a loan move would suited Leeds better, but the Whites must have included a decent sell-on clause in the agreement as Pearce is a player with clear potential."

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Louie Chandler

"It will depend on the price paid but I think on the whole it is a good signing for the Latics.

"Paul Cook has recruited impressively this summer, strengthening all over the pitch, and it is a process that should see them comfortably clear of any relegation danger.

"Pearce will play for them, I do not doubt that, but I also don't think Leeds will come to regret the deal any time soon.

"He was never likely to break into the first-team ahead of Barry Douglas or Ezgjan Alioski so it is only fair that they let him go, in my opinion."