Is a loan the best thing for Adnan Januzaj?
The next Ryan Giggs. That was what young Janzuaj was dubbed after he sprang onto the scene with a brilliant debut last season and went from strength to strength; finishing the season with a call up to the Belgian World Cup squad and was handed the iconic number 11 shirt personally by Ryan Giggs. However, fast forward to the present and his career has somewhat stalled.
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This raises the idea that Januzaj should leave Old Trafford to get some vital minutes as well as improving his talent on loan. He is too much of a talent to let go and prevent losing out on like Paul Pogba and Gerard Pique. Loan moves have become a normal part of today’s game especially in terms of player development and players such as Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have all spent time on loan in order to improve their game to name some notable examples from across the game. One famous example is David Beckham who spent time on loan for Preston North End before stepping up to the big stage.
The flip side is players like Wilfried Zaha and notoriously former ‘next Pele’ Freddy Adu, for whom going on loan more than once just hasn’t worked out for. This cannot be allowed to happen for such a bright young talent like Januzaj.
I think a loan move would be perfect for him and would let him show Louis van Gaal he can make the grade full time.
Let’s take a look at some possible destinations.
Juventus – Serie A, Italy
The Italian giants have been linked with a loan move for Januzaj, and he would fit in well there. Manager Allegri has expressed interest in signing him, with Allegri describing Januzaj as “excellent.” If Januzaj were to join he would reunite with former reds Carlos Tevez, Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba, and get to play in a class team that includes the masterful Andrea Pirlo. Not a bad player to learn from. In addition Juventus is famous for its youth development in its own academy and this success can translate to youngsters on loan like Januzaj.
Real Sociedad – La Liga, Spain
Now managed under David Moyes, the Spanish outfit are looking to build on their much talked about win over Barcelona. It was Moyes who gave Januzaj his debut and would be the right man to develop Januzaj further. Take into account the style of play in Spain and look at Janazaj, you would feel he would fit right in. No disrespect to Real Socieded but their squad isn’t world class so Januzaj would inject that needed talent. Making Januzaj feel important in this way would do wonders for his confidence and hopefully it would translate to his game when he returns.
Everton – Premier League, England
If a move abroad isn’t preferable, then there are plenty of Premier League clubs that would take him. Everton would be the best place for him to go in my opinion – look at last season for how well Martinez works with on loan talent and his success throughout his career improving young talent. The team have dipped recently and are renowned for having a limited budget so a loan signing like Januzaj could be the answer the Toffees are looking for. Januzaj may still have to fight for a place but it would be much easier to get a game at Goodison Park right now than at Old Trafford.
Anderlecht – Pro League, Belgium
It was Anderlecht who Januzaj initially played for before he left for United. So, going back to his first club would make sense surely? Perhaps not as competitive as playing in Italy or Spain, he would still make a big impact for Anderlecht and no doubt gain confidence, especially in his home country. Given the links to bigger clubs however, it seems unlikely he will go back to Belgium. Don’t rule it out though – I mean nobody saw Falcao’s loan move to United in the summer right?
Other Options
Perhaps a spell in Germany with struggling Borussia Dortmund? He could play in the Champions League and work under the brilliant Jurgen Klopp to try and rescue their season as well as his own. Other Premier League options could be Aston Villa or Newcastle – he would play for sure. Or possibly take the step down to the Championship? Premier League players are always going on loan to Championship clubs and all would take him without a doubt, the only concern would be wages. Louis Van Gaal also has strong connections with Dutch giants Ajax, who are renowned for their development of youth. Januzaj has previously been linked with a long-term loan and the opportunity for him to get minutes in a technical league and the Champions League will undoubtedly stand him in good stead for the future.
Of course, there are plenty of options open to him and I hope it works out. For some players, going on loan is a much needed opportunity to showcase their skills and develop their game. For others, going on loan is the first step to leaving. For Januzaj and United I hope it is the former not the latter.