7 players who need to spend the next season on loan

With the transfer window in full swing, the big clubs are strengthening in the positions they need. In the Premier League, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all made early signings.

Selection headaches are always welcome for any manager. Buying new players gives them exactly that. Antonio Conte already had a very strong midfield when he arrived at Chelsea and now with the addition of N’Golo Kante his options have been increased.

But there is a downside for players who were planning on impressing the manager and wanted to finally get their break at the club. These players will now have to spend a season on loan to try and impress and get into their manager’s good books next season.

Here are 7 such names who need a loan spell

7) Oleksandr Zinchenko

ZInchenko was snapped up by Manchester City in this summer transfer window. The 19-year-old only made his debut in the Russian league in 2015 for UFA. He became a first team regular for his club and made 31 appearances scoring twice.

He also broke Andriy Shevchenko’s long-standing record by becoming the youngest Ukrainian player to score in an international at 19. Several clubs were after him but City managed to pip their rivals to his signing.

But however talented the youngster might be, it’s best for him to spend the season on loan. Pep does have a knack for promoting youth but it might be too much of a step up for the 19-year-old.

Zinchecnko also took part in Euro 2016 coming on as a substitute in two of Ukraine’s games as they finished bottom of their group.

6) Sheyi Ojo

Jurgen Klopp showed his love for promoting youth last season. He used several youngsters not only in the cup games but also in the league. Sheyi Ojo was one of the beneficiaries of the manager’s philosophy.

Ojo showed some real flashes of brilliance. There was one instance when he completely left a defender for dead and set up an easy tap-in for his teammate. Ojo in his four Premier League starts assisted thrice.

He’s played for the England U-21s but Nigeria have approached him to represent their country. Ojo is no doubt a talent but he is surely one for the future. Klopp has signed Sadio Mane, and a few others to play in the winger’s position.

This will leave Ojo with very less game time. A loan move will suit him perfectly.

5) Chuba Akpom

Arsenal’s search for a striker continues after Jamie Vardy rejected the Gunners earlier in the summer. Now Lyon have turned down a bid from the club for their star striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Many are suggesting Chuba Akpom can fill those boots but at 20, he still has a long way to go before becoming a top class striker. Akpom has shown a lot of promise but is still not an established forward.

The youngster needs work on his finishing and although he did have a decent spell with Hull City last season there is a lot of room for improvement. Wenger will send him out on loan once again this season and you might feel this year will be make or break for him.

4) James Wilson

Wilson emerged on the scene in 2014 and really made an impact on everyone who saw him play. The young man showed hunger, desire and a striker's instinct to spruce up the United team as a sub when they looked a bit rusty.

But since then, he hasn’t really had a look in. A certain Marcus Rashford has become the darling of the United crowd and Wilson’s progress has taken a back seat. Last season Van Gaal sent the youngster on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion but he only managed to score 5 times in his 25 appearances.

There is no doubt he possesses talent, but there is a fear his career is under threat of going up in flames. First team chances look unlikely under Jose Mourinho as well. Wilson will no doubt go out on loan as well but he has to realize his potential this season.

3) Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Loftus-Cheek has been touted as the best player to come out of Chelsea’s youth academy in some time. He showed what he is capable of last season with Guss Hiddink giving him a good run out in the Premier League.

Antonio Conte also spoke highly of the youngster even stating he might use him in an advanced role this season. But where the youngster would fit Conte’s system is still something that will be pondered upon.

The signing of Michi Batschuayi suggests that Conte wants to have two up front and use his familiar 3-5-2 formation at Chelsea. Loftus-Cheek is not a striker and with midfield options in abundance it would be best for the player to gain experience elsewhere before he can really break into this talented Chelsea first team.

2) Sergi Samper

The La Masia seems to be struggling with an identity crisis in recent times. The academy that produced the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and many others seems to be falling slightly short of it’s extraordinary standards.

But Sergi Samper gives encouragement that the academy still has a bright future. He is already 21 but shows signs of becoming an impressive player in the future. But Samper like many former academy graduates faces an uphill task of getting into the first team.

He has only made one first-team appearance so far for the Catalans and desperately needs game time to ensure his progress is not hampered. His versatility will get him a lot of offers but it is up to the club to decide his future.

1) Mateo Kovacic

Real Madrid might think selling Mateo Kovacic might be the best option but that will be a mistake Los Blancos might come to regret. Kovacic has bundles of talent and even if he hasn’t really shown his capability at the club there is no doubt he can turn into a great midfielder.

But Zidane has his team well setup with Modric, Kroos and Casemiro making up a formidable midfield. With Zidane admitting he is still chasing the signing of Paul Pogba Kovacic’s chances look bleak.

A loan spell just might do the trick for the Croatian and there will be several clubs looking for the chance to take the midfielder on loan. Kovacic is still only 22 and could very well be a first team regular once he comes back with more first team experience under his belt.