Kai Payne (born 26 November 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club 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. On 4 August 2026, he returned to the club for another season-long loan deal.
Style of play Payne is a combative midfielder with excellent technique.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsWigan Athletic2022–23EFL Championship00000000002023–24EFL League One00000010102024–25League One2000004060Total2000005070Mossley (loan)2023–24Northern Premier LeagueDivision One West92———92Oldham Athletic (loan)2024–25National League4010——50Oldham Athletic (loan)2025–26League Two3222000103522026–27League Two2000101040Total342201020392Career total494301070604
References