Ademola Lookman among January new recruits who could make debut this weekend

Sport360 staff 00:54 03/02/2018
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  • Lookman has a chance now with RB Leipzig for regular minutes.

    With the January transfer window now over and the focus once again on action on the pitch, we look at four stars who could make their debuts this weekend after making moves last month.

    ADEMOLA LOOKMAN

    AGE: 20
    NEW CLUB: RB LEIPZIG
    TRANSFERRED FROM: EVERTON (LOAN)

    The young Englishman apparently forced a loan move out of Goodison Park on transfer deadline day, despite Sam Allardyce’s willingness to keep the promising attacker. Lookman, who had featured just seven times (one start) in the Premier League for the Toffees since signing from Charlton last January for £11m, clearly wants more minutes and he should get his chance this weekend.

    At just 20, he is likely to be thrown into RB Leipzig’s squad for the trip to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday with the German side chasing Champions League qualification. A positive loan stint should help the youngster force his way back into Everton’s plans next term.

    Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring a goal.

    Ademola Lookman struggled for game time at Goodison Park.

    MARC BARTRA
    AGE: 27
    NEW CLUB: REAL BETIS
    TRANSFERRED FROM: BORUSSIA DORTMUND (UNDISCLOSED FEE)

    The 27-year-old got his wish – he was just desperate to return to La Liga after things went a bit stale at Dortmund (and the emotional upheaval of being a victim in last year’s bomb blast on the team bus).

    Bartra, a former Barcelona prodigy turned star who never really fulfilled his full potential during a six-season stay at the Camp Nou, now has the chance to become a defensive mainstay in Spain again and guarantee his spot in La Roja’s squad for the World Cup in Russia.

    He should well be in contention to play on Saturday as the Seville-based club host Villarreal.

    Bartra has moved to Betis.

    ISLAM SLIMANI
    AGE: 29
    NEW CLUB: NEWCASTLE
    TRANSFERRED FROM: LEICESTER CITY (LOAN)

    The muscular Algerian has joined Newcastle on loan after a disappointing 18 months at Leicester City. Slimani arrived at the King Power with a big reputation after shining for Sporting Lisbon, but has only performed in spurts for the Foxes, scoring 12 goals in 44 games. For Toon boss Rafa Benitez, the January window was a major disappointment, the former Liverpool manager not getting any of the playing resources he craved as the Newcastle takeover issue descended into a farce.

    But if Benitez can work his magic and get Slimani back to something like his Sporting best, then the target man can give goal-starved Newcastle’s survival hopes a real shot in the arm.

    LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Islam Slimani of Leicester City evades Markus Schwabl of Fleetwood Town during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Leicester City and Fleetwood Town at The King Power Stadium on January 16, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images )

    Can Slimani help Newcastle avoid the drop?

    RAFINHA
    AGE: 24
    NEW CLUB: INTER MILAN
    TRANSFERRED FROM: BARCELONA

    The Brazilian central midfielder was desperately in need of a fresh start after his career had stalled at Barca with his undoubted skills seen as surplus to requirements. But, given his youthful age, the dynamic playmaker – brother of Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara – still has time on his side. Inter is a great move for him. He is used to being around a big club and at the Nerazzurri he’s really got a chance to show what he is made of as they battle for a much-needed Champions League spot.

    If he impresses the loan deal can easily become permanent – with it being expected he will play some part in the clash with Crotone this weekend. The key for the La Masia youth graduate will be staying fit and ensuring he is available for selection – something that he has struggled with over his time at Camp Nou.

    Rafinha leaves Barcelona for Inter Milan on loan

    Rafinha ended a long affiliation with Barcelona.

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