Crewe Alexandra are set to take advantage of an available player at Stockport County, with a loan deal agreed.
The Hatters have added richly to their defensive ranks this summer. Brad Hills made his stay with the club permanent, while Joseph Olowu and Arttu Hoskonen have also signed.
With game-time now difficult for some, the club have allowed one of their defenders to play regular minutes on loan in League Two.
Jay Mingi Departs Stockport County on Loan
According to reports from Pete O’Rourke, Crewe Alexandra have agreed a loan deal for Jay Mingi.
Mingi operates in the centre of defence and is a comfortable, athletic defender.
Also capable of playing in the midfield, his performances in the 2023-24 campaign were vital in securing Colchester United’s survival.
Earning a move to Stockport County, his game time was limited. The 24-year-old made only 14 appearances for the Greater Manchester club.
Potentially a victim of the change in expectation at Stockport County, as the club shocked last season and immediately challenged for automatic promotion upon their return to League One.
Based on his time at Colchester, the former Portsmouth man definitely had potential at the lower end of League One. However, he will now return to League Two and develop his career with Crewe Alexandra.
Jay Mingi to Crewe Alexandra
Crewe have been hugely positive in the opening month of their League Two campaign.
With four wins and two losses, the Alex have dominated a large proportion of their matches. Josh March has been an astute addition, while the likes of Lewis Billington and Mickey Demetriou have continued to excel at the level.
On the back of two consecutive league defeats, additional options in the defence may be a smart move before the deadline.
A 3-0 loss at home to Swindon Town at the weekend will have been a first sign of defensive concern for Lee Bell. Mingi’s arrival solves several problems for Crewe, in upgrading their defence and adding a new option in the midfield.
Aged 24 and yet to play a full campaign, Mingi still has a great deal of potential to meet.
Crewe has often been a favourable destination for young players. Calum Agius and Tommi O’Reilly are currently enjoying breakthroughs with the club. This could create a positive environment for a young defender.
What Next for Stockport County?
Mingi’s departure has been due, after the defender struggled to make an impression on David Challinor’s first team.
However, the story between Mingi and the Manchester club may not be over. The decision to allow the defender out on loan would suggest that.
The 24-year-old is still relatively young for a defender in the EFL, and with regular gametime, he could very much be ready for the County first team next season.
While it is a surprise to see the defender not loaned out to a divisional rival lower down the table, this is an excellent signing for Crewe Alexandra.