Kai Payne
Kai Payne is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Oldham Athletic on loan from club Wigan Athletic.
Career
Payne was a highly sought-after player at under-9 level and was in the Academy at Liverpool until the age of 13. He joined the academy at Wigan Athletic following a trial game in November 2018. He turned professional at Wigan in November 2022 early into the second year of his scholarship. On 2 March 2023, he joined Northern Premier League Division One West club Mossley on loan.He made his debut for Wigan in November 2023 in an EFL Trophy game against Tranmere Rovers. He made his first league appearance in August 2024 against Crawley Town, and signed a new three-year contract with the club a few days later.
On 14 October 2024, Payne joined National League club Oldham Athletic on loan until 11 November.
On 8 July 2025, Payne returned to Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan following their promotion to League Two.