With Dan Nlundulu being recalled by Southampton from Cheltenham Town. The Robins will need to bring in another striker to replace him this season.
Cheltenham have had many successful loans from Premier League teams including Jack Butland who made 24 appearances for the Robins back in the 11/12 season. Since then, Butland has won nine England caps during a career where he also played for Stoke City and Birmingham City and now on loan at Manchester United.
Last season Cheltenham had some successful loanies including Callum Wright from Leicester City, Aaron Ramsey from Aston Villa and Kion Etete from Tottenham.
These are five young forwards from Premier League sides who Cheltenham could look to replace Nlundulu.
Alfie Devine
Alfie was signed by Tottenham Hotspur from Wigan for £300,000. Devine was rated highly by former manager Jose Mourinho and in his first appearance for Spurs in the FA cup he scored his first professional goal. Devine is still waiting to make an appearance in the Premier League.
Alfie is yet to be loaned out by the London side and is playing for the U23’s however a loan move to a lower league side could see him progress in the mens league giving him some experience to progress and hopefully get his chance in the Premier League. Cheltenham could really utilize his speed and calmness on the ball alongside Alfie May.
Luke Harris
Luke currently plays for Fulham and has been very impressive for the youth sides. At just the age of 16 years old he netted eight goals and assisted five. He has made the step up to the U23’s and scored six goals in just five games.
At just the age of 17 I think a loan spell could be a great opportunity for Harris to gain experience in the mens league and prove himself to get a chance to play in the top league.
Ben Doak
Ben currently plays for English giants Liverpool and recently made a five-minute appearance for the side in their FA cup game against Wolves. Doak have been impressive for the U18’s producing four G/A in five games. He also netted a goal for the U23’s
Just like Harris I think a loan spell to a senior team could benefit him massively and his pace and energy on the ball could be what Cheltenham need to bring something different to their attack.
Kaide Gordon
Kaide started his career at Derby County youth and was signed by Liverpool for £3.4M. Since then, he has been impressive for the U18’s scoring nine goals on the wing. He also netted his first senior goal on his debut in the FA cup.
Cheltenham could benefit massively with Gordon. A very skillful but also a proven scorer. He is also very versatile who could play on either wing.
Sonny Perkins
Finally, we have tall striker Sonny who got signed by Leeds this season from West Ham. He has been very impressive for the peacocks scoring seven goals in the U23’s. He also just scored an important equalizer in their FA cup tie against Cardiff City in the 93rd minute to force a replay back at Ellen Road.
I think this is the perfect player to join Cheltenham. A tall out and out striker who will guarantee you goals. Very aware in the box and an ariel presence for the wing backs to find.
These are just five of many young talents who could be available for Cheltenham to loan to replace Nlundulu. With the recent success of loan spells from Premier League clubs I think Cheltenham could be the perfect club for these youngsters to express their talents.
