With clubs able to do business during the January transfer window, speculation is rife regarding potential comings and goings around Europe. However, while some managers are focused on trying to give their squads an extra edge during the second half of the campaign, they also have a responsibility to ensure that their younger players are receiving enough game time. That may include identifying foreign leagues as a potential avenue, one which Premier League clubs have used with the Bundesliga in recent years. Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ryan Sessegnon has already been provided with 15 appearances during a loan spell with Hoffenheim, but which other players should be under consideration for a similar period in Germany?
Just like punters can take calculated gambles with starburst casino games, Bundesliga sides will feel comfortable in backing themselves to get the best out of Reiss Nelson. While Mikel Arteta has praised the work ethic of the Arsenal winger, he is not going to hold down a starting spot in the near future. Having already impressed during a loan period at Hoffenheim during 2018-19, the now 21-year-old could benefit from another spell back in Germany's top flight.
Like Nelson, Brandon Williams has done very little wrong when granted an opportunity at Manchester United, but the academy graduate has seen his development halted by the acquisition of Alex Telles. Given the upcoming schedule, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is understandably in two minds regarding the left-back's short-term future, but the 20-year-old was given just 66 minutes of action between October and December. Bayer Leverkusen have been linked with the Englishman, but he would gain regular action with any team outside of the top four.
© Reuters
With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez having suffered long-term injuries, Sepp van den Berg would have expected to come into contention at Liverpool. However, while Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams have been provided with regular action, Van den Berg has not been considered. The young centre-back only turned 19 years of age last month, but he will now wonder whether he has any genuine hope of becoming a first-team player at Anfield. The Dutchman has not made a senior outing since February, and a switch to a lower-end Bundesliga side could be perfect for his development.
Still just 18 years of age, Taylor Harwood-Bellis will be delighted to have received six opportunities from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in cup competitions. However, it is only a matter of time before the teenager will be provided with a chance to go out on loan. A number of Championship clubs, including Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers, are keen on the prospect, but there is scope to move out abroad. Sister club Girona will not be regarded as a genuine option now that they are in the Spanish second tier, so finding a team in the bottom half of the Bundesliga would work for the England Under-20 international.
Southampton youngster Will Smallbone will not be known by many German football supporters, but the fact that the midfielder was involved in his club's opening two matches of the season suggests that he is highly rated by head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl. Injuries have hindered his progress since September, however, and the Saints' improvement means that Smallbone needs another club for the time being. Although a Championship outfit appears more likely, Hasenhuttl is unlikely to be against the academy graduate spending time in Germany.
