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Late equalisers, clean sheets and promotion charges: Loan round-up

**Max Aarons**

Since his arrival at Valencia, Aarons has found it challenging to secure regular playing time under coach Carlos Corneran. In the two months following his transfer, he has only made one league appearance, totalling 31 minutes on the pitch.

**Philip Billing**

After joining Napoli on loan, Billing had made three Serie A appearances, only scoring one goal. His most notable contribution came on March 1st when he scored an 87th minute equaliser against Inter Milan, securing a 1-1 draw and keeping Napoli just one point behind Inter in the title race

**Hamed Junior Traore**

Joining AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1, Traore has been standout performer for the French side and currently leads the team with eight league goals, highlighting his impact on the squad. Traore’s contributions have been pivotal in Auxerre’s campaign, including a notable goal in a 3-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille. His performances have not only bolstered Auxerre’s position in the league but also helped to revitalise his career following a challenging period at Bournemouth.

Given his current form and importance to the team, there is a growing speculation that Auxerre may seek to extend his stay beyond the current loan agreement.

_(Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)_ **Jaidon Anthony**

Jaidon Anthony has been a consistent presence for Burnley this season in the Championship, making 35 league appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists. His contributions have been instrumental in Burnley’s campaign as they hunt for promotion back to the Premier League, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess

**Chris Mepham**

Since joining Sunderland at the start of the season, Mepham has shown his defensive ability for the Black Cats as well as his leadership, aiding their hunt for their long awaited return to the Premier League. He has shown his reliability and consistency by making 30 appearances for the Championship side and recently scoring his first goal for the club in a tough win against Cardiff City, making that his first goal in four years.

_(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)_ **Mark Travers**

The 25-year-old Irish goalkeeper joined Middlesborough at the end of January, making nine appearances for the Championship team and keeping two clean sheets, conceding 12 goals. His has been putting in some solid performances, helping the team’s defensive stability and his constant appearance shows his importance to Boro.

_(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)_ **Neto**

The Brazilian 35-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal on a season-long loan but didn’t make his debut until the end of January in the Champions League when Arsenal hosted Spanish side Girona at the Emirates, also making him Arsenal oldest debutant since 1915 at 35 years old and 194 days.

In his match against Girona, Neto’s mistake led to Girona’s opening goal by Arnaut Danjuma. However, Arsenal still managed to secure a 2-1 win. Other than his Champions League appearance, Neto has yet to appear for Arsenal in the Premier League. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, he was cup-tied for the EFL Cup having played for Bournemouth earlier this season. Strong performances from Gunners teammate, David Raya, has solidified the Spain international’s position between the sticks, delaying Neto any opportunity to shine.

**Romain Faivre**

After rejoining Brest at the start of the season, the 26-year-old midfielder, has made 19 league appearances for the French side, bagging himself three goals and two assists. His most notable appearance was in a 2-1 win against Reims when he scored a penalty and assisted in the first 18 minutes of the game. He was later taken off via injury at the hour mark in the same game.

Faivre’s return to Brest has been marked by consistent performances, contributing to the French team’s efforts in both domestic and European competitions.

**Eli Junior Kroupi**

A deadline day signing for the Cherries, the 18-year-old French forward has been showcasing impressive form at FC Lorient during the 2024–25 season and has made 23 league appearances, netting 13 goals and providing three assists, making him one of the standout performers in Ligue 2. ​

Kroupi's consistent goal-scoring ability has been instrumental in Lorient's push for promotion. Notably, he has scored in several consecutive matches, demonstrating his growing confidence and importance to the team. His versatility allows him to play both as a centre-forward and on the wings, providing tactical flexibility for the manager.​

His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as one of the top young talents in French football. Observers have praised his technical skills, maturity on the field, and ability to perform under pressure solidifying himself as a key player to watch as the season progresses.

_(Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)_ **Joe Rothwell**

Joe Rothwell has been a key player for Leeds United since joining on loan at the start of the season. In the Championship, he’s made 26 starts and 12 sub appearances, contributing creatively with 47 chances created, the 10th most in the Championship. A standout moment was his assist and match-winning corner in Leeds’ 2-1 win over Sunderland in February.

His performances have impressed fans by being consistent and having influential showings. It has also sparked interest in a potential permanent move.

**Alex Paulsen**

Having joined Auckland FC in August, the New Zealand has been having an outstanding season in the A-league, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 20 goals in 20 league games. His shot-stopping and composure have anchored Auckland’s defence, helping them compete near the top of the table in their debut season.

Paulsen is currently tied for the most clean sheets in the leagues, earning praise as one of its top goalkeepers. He also made his senior debut for New Zealand in 2024 and has since earned three international caps, underlining his growing reputation.

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