Eleven loan players who will find themselves in demand this summer - Coutinho, Gallagher, Broja...

Graeme Bailey
28 March 2022

Graeme Bailey looks at some of the most intriguing loan players across Europe as thoughts turn to the summer transfer window.

Not all loan deals work out but when they do, it presents the player's parent club with a dilemma: do they give the player a chance to force his way back into the first-team reckoning or do they cash in?

Graeme Bailey looks at some of the most intriguing decisions facing clubs this summer as loan deals expire.

Phillipe Coutinho (on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona)

The former Liverpool star joined Villa in January and he is clearly enjoying life under Steven Gerrard.

Four goals and three assists already to his name, Villa are already looking into the details of a permanent deal.

Rivals are circling, but Villa will be confident of coming to an agreement with Barca.

Djed Spence (at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough)

Spence has been outstanding for Steve Cooper's side to the extent where he is attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and even Bayern Munich.

Many will question why Middlesbrough would loan out such a good player, but they feel they already have a better version in Isaiah Jones.

Unless they can secure promotion via the play-offs, there is little chance that Spence would stay at the City Ground given his likely £15million-plus price tag.

William Saliba (at Marseille from Arsenal)

The 20-year-old was a big money capture for £30million in 2019, but he has never featured in the Premier League for the Gunners.

Now in his third loan spell away from the club, he is producing some great form and has been called up to the France squad.

Many Arsenal fans are calling for him to return to the club and compete for a first-team place under Mikel Arteta.

Matt Targett (at Newcastle from Aston Villa)

The former Southampton man needed to move in January after Villa secured a deal for Lucas Digne.

Although not capturing headlines, Targett has been performing well for Newcastle.

Newcastle will be linked to a lot of big names, but don't be surprised to see Eddie Howe make this deal permanent.

Dejan Kulusevski (at Tottenham from Juventus)

The 21-year-old Swede arrived in January and some assumed he was an afterthought after the club missed out on Adama Traore.

But the commanding forward has been a breath of fresh air, putting in some great performances for Antonio Conte.

There is an option to buy that could become an obligation and Spurs fans will be happy to welcome him as a permanent signing.

Conor Gallagher (at Crystal Palace from Chelsea)

The England international has enjoyed a phenomenal season at Selhurst Park and has been one of the best young players in the Premier League.

The big question is, what next? If Gallagher returns to Chelsea, which he wants to do, will he get a chance under Thomas Tuchel?

Interest in Gallagher is high and we may not know how the Blues want to play this one until deep into the summer.

Levi Colwill (at Huddersfield from Chelsea)

One of the more unknown names on the list but you will soon hear a lot more about the left-footed centre-half.

The 19-year-old has been brilliant in the Championship and with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiansen set to leave Stamford Bridge, he could get his chance.

Donny van de Beek (at Everton from Manchester United)

The Dutch international was desperate to leave United in January.

He is playing, but he is not pulling up trees at Goodison Park and some at United will be nodding knowingly that he perhaps wasn't up to their level.

Van de Beek could end up back at United, but it's safe to say he hasn't played himself back into their plans.

Anthony Martial (at Sevilla from Manchester United)

Another United loanee who was desperate to get out of Old Trafford, and another who is not quite showing his best in this loan.

Martial arrived at Sevilla when they were pushing Real Madrid for the title, but things have not gone as well as he and they would have hoped - they now trail the La Liga leaders by nine points having won just one of their last five.

Martial is yet to score and it seems certain he will return to Manchester in the summer. Then it will likely depend on the new manager.

Aaron Ramsey (at Rangers from Juventus)

The Welsh superstar's loan move to Scotland has been dogged by injuries and he has started just one league game.

Ramsey is still a top talent but he will be free to leave Juventus this summer. Despite the injuries, there is a chance the 31-year-old could return to Ibrox as he has settled well at the club.