The loan window may be no more in the Football League, but clubs in the fifth tier and below can still sign players on temporary deals throughout the season, which is exactly what National League side Torquay United have done today. The Gulls have agreed to bring in Reading’s Axel Andresson until January.
It’s a move that makes sense, considering that Torquay boss Gary Owens also signed the defender on loan when he was in charge of Bath City last season, whilst former Royals academy manager Martin Kuhl is now Owens’ assistant on the South Coast, so both men know all about Andresson’s abilities.
Looking forward to play for @TUFC1899 New challenges. https://t.co/Ri3Nbsqllp
— Axel Óskar Andrésson (@axelandresson) December 6, 2017
That spell at Bath last season was a fruitful one for the Iceland Under-21 international, as he scored five goals in 15 appearances and was even named captain despite being just 19 years old.
Returning to Berkshire this summer, Andresson made his senior debut against Gillingham in the EFL Cup in August before making his first start in the same competition against Millwall. He has also been named on the bench for two Championship matches, but the majority of his game time this season has come with the Under 23s in the Premier League 2, where he has made eight appearances.
Andresson’s move to Torquay will draw comparisons with compatriot Ivar Ingimarsson, who also spent time on loan at Plainmoor in 1999. We wish him the best of luck in the next month or so, and he may have a tough time on his hands with his new side currently sitting in the National League relegation zone!