It might solve the problem now, but would it solve the problem long-term?
That’s the situation Fulham find themselves in right now when it comes to their latest transfer target.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Fulham are getting closer to completing a move for Torino right-back Ola Aina on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old was once a former Chelsea youth academy product (indeed he was part of the U18 side that beat us in the FA Youth Cup final) and has become a regular player for both Hull City and Torino in recent seasons.
What interests me most in this, is the idea that it’s a loan deal rather than a permanent one.
How much will Fulham spend this winter?
Less than £10m
More than £10m
Scott Parker did tend to rotate quite a lot last season, as seen by how many players racked up appearances, so if that trend continues he won’t necessarily be asked to play every single week, and whilst on paper it looks smart, there’s one thing troubling me.
I’ve spoken before about the club’s use of ‘loan to buy’ players, and this would offer us a good chance to see what he’s capable of and if he can play with us, but there has to be a limit to it somewhere.
The truth is, whilst Parker is rotating as much as he has done, I don’t think he knows his best right-back, given the fact he’s used Cyrus Christie, Denis Odoi and Steven Sessegnon in those roles this past season.
We can’t keep going on like this though. Eventually, Parker will have to decide on what his strongest side is and hopefully this loan deal, or the one for Kenny Tete will give us a clear indication of what the position can look like for the next four or five years to come.