The Brighton loan stars pushing for first team action next season
Derren Howard looks at how Denis Undav, Kacper Kozlowski and Albion’s other players are doing in loan spells in the Championship and abroad
Brighton and Hove Albion are stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment - but who are players currently out loan who could help Graham Potter’s team next season?
Potter’s team had an impressive start to the campaign and it ensured they were away from the relegation battle by getting points on the board early on.
Their form has however dipped of late and last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle was their fourth Premier League defeat on the bounce.Albion have scored just once during the run and have also been leaky at the back as they have shipped nine in the last four.It’s an unfortunate combination and one Potter will seek to urgently address as they prepare to face Liverpool at the Amex Stadium this Saturday.
Albion will hope to have the injured Adam Lallana available to face his old club this weekend and midfielder Enock Mwepu who is still struggling with a hamstring injury.Yves Bissouma - who continues to be linked with a move away this summer - was also benched at Newcastle following a poor run of form. Brighton will need their best midfielder back on song against Jurgen Klopp’s in-form team. Albion’s poor run has also highlighted the need for reinforcements.
The club’s transfer strategy of late has been to bring in promising young talent and loan them various leagues across Europe in order for them to gain experience. Albion have players performing well in the Championship
with Blackburn in the Scottish Premiership and alo in the Bundesliga and in Belgium. There has however been very little to improve Potter’s first team for the here and now. So who is currently out on loan, who is impressing and who could potentially force their way in the Albion first team next and grasp their Premier League chance?
Kacper Kozlowski midfield
Brighton signed the highly promising Poland international for £8m from Pogon Szczecin last January.
The 18-year-old is currently on loan at Belgian league leaders Union SG.
Feature for USG last Saturday in their 3-2 win at Kortrijk.
Expected to return this summer and push for a place in Potter’s first team.
Abdallah Sima - attack
Brighton signed Sima for a reported £7m from Slavia Prague last summer and he was immediately loaned to Stoke in the Championship. It’s been a bit of disaster with hip and groin injuries hindering his progress. He last featured for the Potters in the EFL Cup last October.
Aaron Connolly - attack
Fell out of favour with Potter and was loaned to Middlesbrough in January. Struggled for game time in the north east with his manager Chris Wilder admitting it has taken some time to adapt.
Started for the Middlesbrough in their 2-1 win against Luton last Saturday. Difficult at this stage to see him being a regular for Potter next season.
Deniz Undav - attack
The German striker was signed in January for a reported £7m and loaned back to USG. Has an impressive 21 goals in 29 appearances this season and expected to push for first team football at Albion next season. Looks a promising addition but playing for Albion in the PL is a world away from playing for the top team in Belgium.
Michal Karbownik defence
Has struggled on his loan at Olympiakos and last featured for Greek outfit in january. Injuries and lack of form has seen him make just eight appearances. Potter has plenty of options at full back and Karbownik is unlikely to feature in the first team next campaign. Another loan could be on the cards for a player with potential.
Matt Clarke defence
Signed from Portsmouth but the very capable defender has never been near the first team. Currently at West Brom on loan and played in their 2-0 win against Hull last Saturday. Contracted with Albion until June 2023. Burn’s departure to Newcastle could offer a potential path to the Albion first team next season.
Leo Östigard - defence
Currently in Serie A with Genoa after cutting his loan at Stoke City short. Has received praise for his recent display for the Serie A strugglers and has helped them
to three clean sheets in their last four. Out of contract this summer and unlikely to be involved in the PL next season.
Andi Zeqiri - attack
A striker who is highly rated by Potter but has been struggling with injuries and illness of late while on loan at Bundesliga outfit Augsberg. Last featured in February. Will need to regain full match fitness and could struggle to force his way in Potter’s attack next season. Another loan could be on the cards.
Kjell Scherpen Goalkeeper
The former Ajax stopper has impressed while on loan at K.V. Oostende following his January loan move. The Dutchman will hope to return in the summer and challenge Rob Sanchez for the No 1 jersey.
Kaoru Mitoma Left Winger
The Japan international has shown flashes of brilliance while on loan at Union
SG. The 24-year-old could offer Potter an interesting option next season but it could well take some time for Mitoma to get up to speed in the PL
Jan Paul van Hecke defence
Played well for Blackburn in the Championship this season and has been called up for the Netherlands under-21 squad. A very talented player and could be the defender that has the potential to breakthrough to the first team next campaign.
Florin Andone - attack
Went to Cadiz to kickstart his career after injury but has been struggling to find his form in Spain. Very unlikely to feature for Potter and the club will be seeking another loan move/sale or possible contract termination.
Taylor Richards - midfield
Huge potential but a frustrating loan move to Birmingham following an ankle injury said to be sustained in the medical.
Played for the Blues under-23s last week and will look for a strong end to the season. Has a chance of playing PL football for Potter next season but midfield competition remains fierce.
Reda Khedra - attack
Bags of potential here. Impressed on loan at Blackburn and a player capable of making a real impact. Offers pace and power but his
Blackburn boss admits there are areas he needs to improve on out of possession. Could be a real wildcard for Potter next season.
Alec Cochrane - Defence
The left sided player has had a successful loan at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. His contract expires at Albion this summer and he could look for a permanent move to the
Edinburgh club. Marc Cucurella and Solly March are likely blocking his path to the Albion first team.
Teddy Jenks - midfield
Has not had the easiest time on loan at Aberdeen but will be all the better for the experience.
The young midfielder could look for another loan next season as he continues his development.