5 Loan moves that could be ideal in the ongoing January transfer window

The 2021-22 season's winter transfer window is well and truly underway. With successful transfer coups of Ferran Torres, Philippe Coutinho and Kieran Trippier among many others, we have already seen some high-profile signings made in the last two weeks.

While it may not be as bustling as the summer transfer window, the January transfer window provides clubs with a chance to make an upright assessment of their squad. It also allows fringe players who need game time to showcase their mettle and perhaps find playing opportunities elsewhere.

Signing players midway through the season can be difficult due to the circumstances, but various success stories (see Bruno Fernandes and Virgil van Dijk) prove that it can be done.

On that note, let's look at five loan deals that could be ideal for both parties, including the club and the player himself.

#5. Nathan Aké to Leeds United

While he may have filled in admirably on a few occasions this season, it's been clear that Nathan Aké would never be more than a squad player since he was signed by Pep Guardiola in 2020. The Dutchman has only made 14 appearances for City across competitions this season.

While there are far worse things than being backup to some of the world's best centre-backs, the 26-year old hasn't shied away from a loan move in the past. With a number of sides in need of defensive reinforcements this January, Aké shouldn't be short of suitors.

The Dutch international's calmness in possession would surely be welcomed at Leeds United. While being the fourth-worst club in conceding the highest number of goals per game, Leeds have arguably suffered more injuries than any other side this term.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Aké can't rely on odd games here and there to cement his place in Louis Van Gal's Netherlands plans.

#4. Malang Sarr to West Ham United

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg

Malang Sarr was one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe during his four seasons in the Nice first team. However, he has struggled for game time in the last two seasons. After signing for Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020, the Frenchman was loaned to FC Porto, where he spent the final third of the season playing for the B team.

And Sarr has hardly had a sniff since returning to Stamford Bridge this season, playing in just a single Premier League encounter so far. Linked with a loan switch to West Ham, where multiple injuries in the back line have threatened an unlikely top four challenge.

David Moyes has elevated a number of players at the London Stadium and Sarr could be a useful asset as well. Getting game time in a side where confidence is riding high could work wonders for Sarr's form.

#3. Mauro Icardi to Juventus

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

With just one league goal since September, it's perhaps no surprise that Mauro Icardi's personal life has drawn more headlines than anything he's done on the pitch.

The last time the Argentine scored more than 12 league goals in a season was all the way back in 2017-18 when he hit a career-best 29 for Inter. His expected goals per 90 also dropped from 0.8 to 0.4 in the previous year.

However, Icardi's natural goal-scoring instincts won't have disappeared overnight and a change of scene could do the striker some good. With Juventus reportedly interested, a move back to Italy could be best for both parties.

The Bianconeri are in desperate need of goals and following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, they have clearly missed his movement inside the box. Someone with Icardi's skill set could provide a good resolution. Juventus, after all, are creating a fair number of chances but are currently ranked 11th in Serie A for goals scored.

With the top four spot within touching distance, Juventus could find an answer to their goalscoring troubles in Mauro Icardi.

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#2. Anthony Martial to Sevilla

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League

Anthony Martial has been firm on his desire to leave Manchester United, notifying manager Ralf Rangnick at the end of December. The Frenchman has made just one start in the last three months and has also struggled for form since his superb 2019-20 season, when he scored 17 goals in the Premier League.

Sevilla have been most strongly linked with his signature. But at the time of writing, there appears to be doubts over whether the Spanish outfit can land him. However, there's no doubt that he would be an asset to the Andalusians. Currently second in La Liga, Sevilla is the only team close to Real Madrid this term.

Furthermore, with goals spread around the side and Alejandro Gomez seeing his attacking numbers drop off, there is certainly space for a player of Martial's caliber.

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#1. Georginio Wijnaldum to Arsenal

RB Leipzig v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Another player who, like Icardi, has struggled at PSG this season is Georginio Wijnaldum. He ranks eighth for the minutes played in Mauricio Pochettino's squad and has been played out of position in recent games.

Wijnaldum is reportedly open to a return to England. Whether PSG would sanction such a move is another matter. But there are certainly a few clubs who could do with his experience and technical ability in the centre of the park.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a loan move for the Dutch international. With Thomas Partey away at AFCON, ball retention already looks like an issue for Arsenal in the central midfield.

Former club Newcastle United have also been linked with the 31-year old. However, it would be surprising to see him willingly swap the Champions League knockouts for a Premier League relegation battle.

While Wijnaldum's best option may well be to stay in Paris, should he become available on loan, the Emirates would be a good destination.