Smith-Rowe burst into the scene last season following some breathtaking performances for Arsenal in the Europa League. His goal against Qarabag in last season’s group stage made him the youngest goalscorer in a competitive match since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011.
Just when we thought he would get more glimpses of quality in that competition, Smith-Rowe suffered an injury that sidelined him for a while, thereby stunting the fledgling progress he made in that spell of first team football.
On the winter transfer deadline day of 2019, Smith-Rowe joined RB Leipzig on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Arsenal fans were ectastic of the prospect of the lad joining such an energetic club with the enthusiastic Ralf Rangnick at the helm and the additional fact that his fellow Englishman, Reiss Nelson, tore defenses apart with Hoffenheim made his move to Germany sweeter.
Smith-Rowe featured in only three games for Leipzig totaling just 26 minutes, and he found out that he did not recover from a groin injury, which halted his campaign. This season, he managed to make four appearances but it is evident that he needs a loan spell to further his football education.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, provided an update on the futures of some youngsters within the club, confirming that Arsenal seeks opportunities for the lads to play competitive football in the second half of the season,
“We are assessing the situation with these youngsters and evaluating all the offers that they have from different clubs. where would suit them more and if it’s the right time for them to make that step. In the next few days, we will tell you exactly what will happen”
Like Smite-Rowe, Eddie Nketiah requires a loan spell after his torrid spell at Leeds United, and the club will sort out his future. According to Arseblog News, Bristol City has shown interest in Nketiah, like they were last summer.
The Express and Football Insider reported that Huddersfield Town is the destination for Smith-Rowe and this news excites me for the following reasons,
- Huddersfield currently struggle in the Sky Bet Championship with their 5-2 loss to Stoke City dragged them down to 20th place, just one point above relegation waters. They need a player of Smith-Rowe’s ability to help with their resurgence.
- Smith-Rowe is eager to prove himself and show Arsenal that their investment in him is worthwhile, so playing in a team like Huddersfield will give a chance to shine
- With 26 games already played in the Sky Bet Championship, there is still some football to go round as each club end their campaign with 46 games. This indicates that Smith-Rowe is on hand to feature in at least 20 games, should he remain fit.
- With Smith-Rowe going to Huddersfield, the Gunners can assign scouts to watch him and monitor his progress on a consistent basis.
I wish Smith-Rowe the best and I hope this loan move will give him the platform he needs to jump start his fledgling career.
Sayonara
Follow Gooner Daily on Twitter @goonerdaily. I’ll follow back
Visit Gooner Daily’s Facebook page.
Click on the “Follow button” to join Gooner Daily’s Mailing List
