Wigan capture Gomez from Espanyol

Gomez started his career at Barcelona

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has made his first signing for the club by bringing in playmaker Jordi Gomez from Espanyol on a three-year contract.

Martinez, who took over as Latics boss this summer after leaving Swansea, had Gomez on a year-long loan in Wales last season from the Spanish side.

Gomez, 24, scored 14 goals for Swansea and is thought to have cost £1.7m.

"Jordi is a real quality player. I have no doubts that he will do well in the Premier League," said Martinez.

"I think he can go all the way in the game, and to play in the Premier League is the next step in his career.

"He is a creative player with fantastic technical ability but he also knows how to look after himself on a football field. He was very popular with the supporters at Swansea and I'm sure that will be the same here.

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"To be honest I was surprised we managed to get him at Swansea last season, but now that he is available, he is a player I really wanted to bring on board. He can play in several different positions and will score goals from midfield."

Left-footer Gomez began his career at Barcelona before switching to their city rivals Espanyol.

Martinez added: "We are a little light in numbers and I want to press ahead and bring in some more real quality into the squad.

"You need to have healthy competition for places and we must make sure that the players coming in are of the correct standard and mental attitude for us. Watch this space."