Without the finances to fully splash the cash this January, Colchester United’s transfer window will likely feature just two loan signings, given three loan slots already used up at the time of writing.
Following on from our previous article, suggesting the areas that need strengthening at Colchester United, I’ve opted for players from those positions.
Peterborough’s 19-year-old centre-back George Nevett had found game time hard to come by since Luke Williams’ tenure began, battling with injury issues alongside being an unused sub in recent weeks.
Sliding down the pecking order behind Tom Lees, David Okagbue and Thomas O’Connor.
Meanwhile, Sam Hughes’ eventual return from long term injury will presumably be selected ahead in future weeks.
Therefore, Nevett may seek to enhance prospects of game time with a loan move.
This seems like a great move for both parties, as the U’s are without Tom Flanagan, Samuel Kuffour Jr. and Jack Baldwin for the foreseeable future.
With this in mind, Colchester United may be lining up a centre-back to cover for Harvey Araujo and Jack Tucker, to allow rotation for future fixtures.
Additionally, given the sheer number of deals with Peterborough in the past, and the close relationship between both clubs, this doesn’t seem too farfetched.
The second centre-back of the listicle, a return to Essex for Dundee FC’s Aaron Donnelly certainly seems feasible, given he hasn’t featured in a competitive fixture since early August, repeatedly being left as an unused substitute.
Despite spending a reasonable fee during 2025’s January transfer window, he’s featured in just seventeen games for Dundee, leaving the door wide open for an exit, and a return to Colchester could be the saving grace for his career to continue with consistent game-time.
Obviously, the numerous factors mentioned apply here too, central defence options currently are incredibly thin on the ground for Colchester.
Therefore, one loan slot should arguably be allocated towards bolstering the backline, and with Cowley clearly seeing a talent in Donnelly in the past (signing him on loan from Nottingham Forest’s academy in 2024), there’s already a connection at the club.
Cowley’s openly stated in plenty of previous interviews, regarding a desire to bring players into the club on their second loan spell of their career, and we would say Orford perfectly fits the category.
A loan spell in the first half of this campaign didn’t quite go to plan, featuring on just three occasions at League One promotion chasers Stevenage, in spite of high expectations of flourishing in League One from West Ham supporters.
Furthermore, a serious hole lies in Colchester United’s midfield ranks currently.
This is because only Arthur Read and Teddy Bishop are available for selection in the midfield role.
Meanwhile, Dominic Gape is constantly battling with fitness issues, alongside youth talents Ronnie Harvey and Milton Oni struggling with injury in recent weeks.
Considering the close proximity regarding the location, perhaps this could be the solution to the defensive minded midfielder crisis ongoing.
Purely based on the factors previously commented upon, in relation to location and previous history with business, Ipswich’s freshly recalled central midfielder Finley Barbrook could be a loan option.
Following an unsuccessful loan spell at League One high-flyers Lincoln City, in which he only featured in the EFL Trophy, Ipswich are already considering the next move for a career advancement.
Furthermore, manager Kieran McKenna publicly stating that all options are on the table when considering the next step.
Barbrook has a full season’s worth of experience in the National League with Sutton United last campaign.
Therefore, a young talent with professional experience will likely be the way in which Colchester’s central midfield is bolstered with reinforcements to push for the playoffs, whilst not breaking the bank.
Arguably the biggest long shot of the list, up and coming Luton Town prospect Zack Nelson’s versatility across the forward line would plug the gap for a backup number ten, alongside further options out wide, in the instance that one of the contracted wingers (likely Kyreece Lisbie or Owura Edwards) departed.
Featuring in mostly short cameos off the bench, or starts in cup competitions, Nelson has featured in twenty-six games so far.
However in recent weeks, game-time in league fixtures has severely dipped, with the return of experienced attacking talent from injury in Luton’s ranks, possibly alluding to a loan departure or two this January transfer window.
Following Harry Anderson’s lengthy spell on the sidelines, requiring knee surgery, as well as an additional departure on the wing, whether this be through injury or transfer, a new attacking spark seems crucial this window.
The spark arguably should particularly be one who additionally covers the number ten role, in the case of Colchester United midfielder Jack Payne picking up yet another injury.
