As the second half of Premier League football gets firmly underway, we are thrust straight back into the January transfer window. Four chaotic weeks of rumour mills, Bosman contracts and last-minute negotiations, it can be a hectic month that sometimes overshadows one of the busiest cycles in England’s top flight. With the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City all keen to strengthen their teams, those that bet on Premier League football will need to be reminded just how competitive the action is on the pitch as well as off it.
As the month draws on teams might be tempted to recall some of their loan players. Some time away from their parent club can make or break a player, especially in England, and with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United prospering from loaning players out in the past, it’s great to see the abundance of talent go and ply their trade on a regular basis rather than sit on the bench and wait for small minutes of opportunity which are hardly going to change the football betting odds.
With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best players out on loan at the moment and monitor their progress heading into the second half of the season. Read on to find out more.
Amad Diallo – Manchester United to Sunderland
When Amad Diallo signed for Manchester United back in 2021, many thought he would have made an immediate impression at Old Trafford, but the Ivorians career has been a bit of a slow burner. Initially loaned out to Rangers, he failed to make any kind of impact over in Glasgow but has found his feet slightly south playing for Sunderland. The Black Cats are enjoying a strong return to the Championship and look an exciting side under Tony Mowbray. Diallo has licence to roam and if he returns to United next summer, the wide options of his explosiveness and Alejandro Garnacho’s ingenuity could set the Red Devils up for years to come.
Tanguy Ndombele – Tottenham Hotspur to Napoli
Another player who has flourished on loan is Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombele. The Frenchman’s caveolar work rate meant he was dismissed almost immediately by Antonio Conte when he arrived in north London, but Spurs have missed a trick in Ndombele’s absence, siding for power and pace over one of the most press-resistant centre midfielders in the Serie A this season. While more of a bit-part player in Naples, making 14 appearances but struggling to start in Europe, as Luciano Spalletti’s side remain unbeaten and are favourites to win the league. Ndombele could well return to Spurs with silverware round his neck, something his parent club haven’t achieved for 15 years.
Jan Bednarek – Southampton to Aston Villa
Despite injuries limiting him to just a handful of appearances this season, Jan Bednarek could be an important cog in Unai Emery’s Aston Villa machine throughout the last run of Premier League games. The Polish international, on loan from fellow strugglers Southampton, has demonstrated his ability in a low block, and it looks like the new Villa boss has more faith in him than Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, who have both been shown to commit several errors in their last few games. Bednarek is a good leader and would help solidify a Villa defence in need of consistency.