Arsenal have loaned young defender Daniel Ballard to Swindon Town for the duration of the 2019-20 season.
The 19 year old signed a new contract with the Gunners in May, a show of faith in his talent and potential, but at this stage of his career some regular football is required and hopefully he can get that at the League Two outfit.
Ballard is highly rated, particularly by Freddie Ljungberg who joined Unai Emery’s coaching staff this summer, making 18 appearances and captaining the side of a number of occasions.
His progress was also marked by a call up to the senior Northern Ireland squad, although he has yet to make his debut.
Speaking to the official Swindon website, he said, “It’s my first loan so I’m nervous but really excited to get started, get amongst the lads and play my football somewhere else.
“I think the stadium is really impressive – I played a lot at Boreham Wood last year and this is leaps ahead of that. The fanbase is a lot bigger and I can’t wait to pay in front of them.”
Best of luck to him.
This is a really good move. He’ll get plenty of game-time, partly because they play with 3 centre-backs.
I didn’t know about the three centre back thing, that’ll enhance his education for sure, he seems a really grounded and sensible young man, I think he’ll come on in leaps and bounds in this type of football, great move for all concerned.
I think it’s a bad move. League Two is far too low down the football pyramid for a 19 year old on the books at Arsenal.
Just stop….
Much better than being stuck in the under-21s. Competition against men is still competition, and he will get regular football time there.