Loan transfers tend to benefit all parties concerned. In a lot of cases, a young or out-of-favour player is loaned out for either playing time or experience, while the club taking him on-board plugs gaps in the team. On that note, let us look at a few loan deals in the Serie A this transfer window.
#5 Alvaro Odriozola
Alvaro Odriozola was once one of the most highly rated young fullbacks in world football. During his time at Real Sociedad, a lot of big clubs were monitoring him. Real Madrid made a move for him in 2018 in a transfer of worth 30m euros, the same year they sent Hakimi out on loan, preferring to bet on the Spaniard rather than the Moroccan.
It is fair to say that the bet hasn’t exactly paid off. Odriozola barely ever saw game time and suffered frequent spells of injury and poor form even when he was on loan at Bayern Munich. A loan move to Fiorentina provides him with a chance to get regular football in a quality team and stake a claim to Madrid’s RB berth with Carvajal not getting any younger.
#4 Merih Demiral
Merih Demiral’s story is similar to that of Odriozola. For years he’s been very highly rated, but injuries have meant that he’s never been able to get consistent game time at Juventus. This, and the fact that veterans like Bonucci and Chiellini have maintained their extremely high levels, has stopped Demiral from kickstarting his career at the highest level properly.
Now at Atalanta, Demiral will be tasked with filling the boots of the outgoing Cristian Romero. Demiral is a fantastic passer and comfortable in possession, things that are pre-requisite for playing in Gasperini’s structure at Atalanta.
#3 Joaquin Correa
Inter Milan lost important pieces of the puzzle that won them the Scudetto last season but they haven’t done a shabby job with the incomings in the transfer window. One of their most important signings was that of Argentine Joaquin Correa on loan from Lazio. Correa was actually wanted by many clubs but eventually chose the blue side of Milan.
More of a second striker by trade, Correa will alternate with Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez in the two-striker system under new manager Simone Inzaghi. He might not be the most prolific goalscorer, but his shot-creation numbers and progressive passing and carrying numbers are top notch. He has already scored a couple in his debut and is looking all set for a great season.
#2 Manuel Locatelli
Manuel Locatelli burst onto the scene with his fantastic performances in Euro 2020. But those who had been following his performances at Sassuolo in the last couple of seasons knew that he was due a big move soon.
And he got just that, with Juventus bringing him on loan with an obligation to buy. The move comes at a good time for the midfielder, who is absolutely ready for Champions League football.
Juventus’ midfield was their weakest link last season and signing Locatelli with his fantastic all-round abilities will help in addressing that. Capable of playing as a central midfielder or in a single or double pivot and with his shooting and creative numbers ever improving, the Milan academy graduate will be a part of Juventus and Italy’s midfield for years to come.
#1 Brahim Diaz
Milan have enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance of late and one of their more important players has been Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish attacking midfielder’s assists and goalscoring returns were quite important for the Rossoneri last season. Now that he has gone to Inter for free, Milan needed a creative presence.
They addressed this need by bringing back Brahim Diaz on loan. Diaz was on loan at Milan last season as well but played predominantly on the right . This season he has been playing the number 10 role vacated by Calhanoglu. He has already impressed, scoring in their first game.
Only 22, Brahim has already played for Malaga, Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Brahim is quality enough to play for Real but they decided that he wouldn’t get enough gametime at the Santiago Bernabeu so it was better for him to go back to Italy. Diaz also scored on his Spain debut this summer.
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