After their demotion, it appeared inevitable that they would utilize his talents, given how valuable he can be in the Championship. His stint at the bet365 Stadium would have contributed to his growth.
Notwithstanding their descent to the second tier, there are still players who are not yet prepared to make a meaningful impact at the first-team level, or those who should be temporarily loaned out to alleviate the financial burden.
The temporary departures of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Duje Caleta-Car, who have joined Lyon and PSV respectively, have helped reduce their wage expenses.
Others, such as Dom Ballard, have been sent on loan to gain much-needed experience. Ballard is expected to acquire valuable knowledge during his time at Reading, and he is optimistic about reaping the benefits of his tenure at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, despite the off-field challenges faced by the Royals.
There are other players who might potentially be loaned out in January, and we will discuss them below.
1 Juan Larios
Larios has only made five appearances in the league for the Saints, and unfortunately, he hasn’t been included in the first-team lineup this season. This setback is particularly disappointing for the young player.
Had it not been for his injury, he might have played a significant role in the South Coast side’s plans. However, he now faces a few more months on the sidelines.
There is a debate regarding whether he should rejoin the first team upon his return, as he might need some time to regain his form after such a prolonged absence. On the other hand, there is an argument to be made that loaning him out could be advantageous for the Saints.
If he can have a successful loan spell away from St Mary’s, it could prove to be a valuable asset for the Saints in the 2024/25 season and beyond.
2 Jayden Meghoma
“Despite being just 17 years old, Meghoma, an England international, made an appearance against Gillingham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. Given his status as a youth international for England, there’s a chance he’s considering a move to a lower division in the EFL or even the National League. Some might argue that he’s too young for a loan move, but it’s worth noting that Ballard, a fellow Reading loanee, is only 18 years old, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Meghoma also went out on loan.
With Kyle Walker-Peters capable of playing on the left and Manning already an existing option, Meghoma might struggle to secure significant playing time at a senior level this season at St Mary’s.”
3 Kamari Doyle
Scoring three goals and providing two assists in just four Premier League 2 matches this season, Doyle is making a strong impact in the academy. He even contributed an assist for the senior team in their match against Gillingham.
The Southampton team clearly felt they couldn’t keep Ballard in the academy any longer, and they might come to a similar conclusion with Doyle, given his current impressive form.
Considering the abundance of midfield choices available to Martin, it’s possible that Doyle won’t receive much playing time this season. Therefore, a loan move appears to be the ideal solution.
Scoring three goals and providing two assists in just four Premier League 2 matches this season, Doyle is making a strong impact in the academy. He even contributed an assist for the senior team in their match against Gillingham.
The Southampton team clearly felt they couldn’t keep Ballard in the academy any longer, and they might come to a similar conclusion with Doyle, given his current impressive form.
Considering the abundance of midfield choices available to Martin, it’s possible that Doyle won’t receive much playing time this season. Therefore, a loan move appears to be the ideal solution.
4 Tyler Dibling
Another midfielder, Dibling, is excelling within the Saints’ academy and competes for the England youth national team. Martin’s team recognized his potential when they awarded him a professional contract in February, indicating their belief in his future prospects. Opting for a loan move might prove advantageous for his growth as a player.