Burton Albion have signed a striker with a lot of ‘potential’ after signing Joe Hugill on loan from Premier League side Manchester United.
It’s easy to forget, amid all the complaints piled up against Rasmus Hojlund since his £64m move to Old Trafford, that the big signing of the summer is just a few months older than Joe Hugill, a regular in the reserve squad now hoping for promotion. to senior level in his first loan spell in the EFL.
Hugill, who celebrated his 20th birthday in October, spent time in non-league with Altrincham last year. A few months at Burton in England’s third tier, however, offers the Durham-born frontman a real chance to prove he is ready for the rigours of the men’s game, with Brewers boss Martin Paterson delighted to reunite with a player he got to know briefly at Barnsley.
“We are really pleased to have secured Joe’s loan. A lot of work was put into the works to make that resolution a reality, fighting festivals from other clubs to sign him on loan,” Paterson told Burton’s website.
“I briefly worked with him at Barnsley when he came in on work experience. And you could see his potential then.
“We would like to thank Manchester United for entrusting us with the progression of a player they have high hopes for.
“I’m proud to expand the forwards and I think Joe can be a smart addition for us. “
Hugill, who joined Man United from Sunderland back in 2020, only signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford a couple of days ago. And while he may be some way behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in his development, it is worth remembering that one Harry Kane only made his breakthrough at Tottenham after a number of spells in the EFL.
“He’s old school,” former Manchester United prospect Luke Chadwick told MUTV of Hugill, who scored 11 goals in 12 Premier League 2 games last season.
“His movement is magnificent. He impressed me.
United are also expected to loan Hannibal Mejbri to Sevilla. Álvaro Fernández will join Benfica on an £8. 6m loan-to-buy deal.