3 clubs who made smart loan deals including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa

The January transfer window is done and dusted and almost all the clubs did their bit to enhance their arsenal. Apart from the permanent signings, teams also have the option to strengthen their squad by putting the loan system into practice, which is arguably a cheaper solution to fix their problems. Here are three such loan deals churned by Championship outfits which seemingly appear to be commendable moves at the onset.

1. Matt Targett

Fulham signed Matt Targett on loan from Southampton and the Cottagers might have done themselves a massive favour as they have landed a typical modern-day fullback in their ranks. Targett gallops forward in the blink of an eye and has the requisite defensive nous as well and this must have persuaded Fulham to sign him.

His attacking style of play must excite Fulham fans, for he really dazzles while going forward with the ball at his feet. By operating with the 22-year-old in the left-back slot, Slavisa Jokanovic would be able to render Ryan Sessegnon the license to play further up the pitch as well, which would enhance the productivity level of Fulham’s attacking endeavours.

2. Benik Afobe

Under the tutelage of Eddie Howe, Benik Afobe wasn’t getting much scope to perform at Bournemouth. Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of the favourites to clinch promotion to the Premier League and they have lured Afobe to the Molineux Stadium for the rest of the season to bring some depth to their striking department.

The 24-year-old had scored 22 goals in 46 games when he was in the ranks of Wolverhampton Wanderers and certainly has the requisite experience to thrive in the Championship. He is a cunning striker and apart from being clinical up front, he can hold the ball really well in the final third and could be a superb weapon for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

3. Lewis Grabban

Aston Villa desperately needed to sign a striker owing to the injury to Jonathan Kodjia and by signing Lewis Grabban on loan from Bournemouth, Steve Bruce has acted in a shrewd manner. Grabban was out on loan with Sunderland in the first half of the season and was one of the silver linings for the Black Cats amidst the tatters they find themselves in.

The 30-year-old smashed 12 goals in 19 appearances for Sunderland and by luring him to the Villa Park, Bruce has got hold of a striker who has immense experience of English football under his belt. The Lions are very much alive in the race to secure an automatic promotion spot and Grabban could prove to be a handy asset for them.

Statistics Credits: WhoScored