Submitted by Andrew McMellon (@andrew_mc84)
Host of My Best Eleven Podcast, Journalist and Pundit (https://mybesteleven.podbean.com/)
As the winter and busy season for football starts to come, lots of clubs will be looking at and some need to strengthen their squads for their aims. Those fans of Luton from yester year remember loans such as Jaroslaw Fojut, Rory Allen, Rowan Vine and Gary McSheffrey.
Luton Town, are currently flying high in the Championship (5th at time of writing), but reinforcements to either fill in injuries or make the team better are always an option, even if the squad is already large. Below are some thoughts and options for January:
James Justin (Leicester City - Def)
Is still recovering from his major injury and has only just started training again since his ligament injury in February. With Leicester having multiple options at full back including Castagne, Pereira, Bertrand and Thomas, could this be an option to get him back to full fitness for 2022/23 season? He would bring major experience but also know the Nathan Jones way, having come to the forefront of the team under his guidance in League One. However, with Luton having Kioso out on loan themselves, do they need a full back?
Likelihood: 2/10 Rodgers rates him highly and so will not give him on loan easily and without the guarantee of first team football, something which Jones may not be able to give.
Cole Palmer (Man City - Mid)
Has started to be given some chances at Man City and was also included in their Champions League squad (scoring on his debut against Club Brugge). The attacking midfielder, who can also play upfront is someone who can add huge quality to any Championship team and Guardiola may look to get him some lower league experience for growth as a player and strength.
Likelihood: 4/10
Could definitely happen with his game time limited at City. Guardiola does however like to keep his young midfielders around the first team squad and playing PL2 such as Phil Foden.
Harvey Elliot (Liverpool - Mid)
This is a future England midfielder, previously of Fulham, had a lot of hype a few years back. He has already shown his skillset and ability to manipulate the ball movement at the highest level. He is making a faster than expected recovery from his injury sustained back in September and many believe he will eventually take over from Jordan Henderson in the future. Likelihood: 4/10 This depends on Liverpool's injury crisis, especially Oxlade Chamberlain, Henderson and Fabinho. If they are all clear, he could go out to a club in top half Championship with a call back clause to Liverpool if needed
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal - Fwd)
This is a striker who has struggled to ever get going. Even in the season when on loan at Leeds in the Championship, he struggled to get into the Starting 11 in front of Patrick Bamford. He has great technique and is a natural striker, as shown when given the chance recently against Leeds for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. Needs games and if Luton get injuries to Adebayo and Jerome/Cornick/Muske, he will need to dip into the market to keep the goals going. Likelihood: 6/10 Arsenal may want to loan him out again, before seeing if they keep him post Lacazette and Aubameyang era. Luton could be a great place for confidence builder too.
Teden Mengi (Man Utd - Def)
A strong and quick centre back who has shown himself to be full of swagger and confidence. Spent a part of last season on loan at Derby but 12 months on and 12 months stronger, he may have more of an impact at the club. He would certainly add pace against some of the faster/strong strikers in the Championship such as Solanke (Bournemouth) and Grant (WBA).
Likelihood: 7/10
The Town do have a number of centre backs and with Naismith as well as Osho who can also play at the back, this may not be needed, but he offers something different to the current crop of centre backs at the club
Kienan Davis (Aston Villa - Fwd)
A fast and quick striker who, is relatively unknown outside of Aston Villa. He signed a new contract 16 months ago but has not had a look in with the signing of Danny Ings. Having been at Villa for 5 years, perhaps it may be time for the striker to move on, and what better way than to showcase his ability at a club well known for playing open football. Likelihood: 4/10 If the Town go in for a striker as a loan option, they will want proven striker and goals, not an unknown with potential.
Charlie Patino (Arsenal - Mid/Fwd)
This is the signing I think most Luton fans dream of! The wonderkid at Arsenal with the world at his feet. He signed his first contract 12 months ago but has been linked with every major club in Europe. He is slightly down the pecking order at Arsenal, especially with Martinelli's recovery from injury. Charlie left Luton when he was 12 to join the Arsenal academy for a misery £10,000 and his family live locally still. He would offer fantastic creativity and his service to the front players would be sensational. Likelihood: 7/10 If not for the second half of 2021/22 season, this is a definite focus for Mick Harford and the recruitment team for 2022/23 season. Would add real quality and he would benefit from the first team football in means football too.