Morecambe face an uphill battle to re-sign star defender Maldini Kacurri this window as EFL clubs show interest in the 20-year-old.
A star of an otherwise chaotic season for the Shrimps, Kacurri has played 18 times in the National League, with his efforts earning him two Player of the Month awards from the Lancashire side.
However, his time at the Mazuma Stadium could be over for good following his recall back to parent club Arsenal yesterday evening.
Singh Johal Up Against It
According to James McNicholas of the Athletic, the Premier League leaders are open to both loan moves or a permanent sale for the Albanian footballer, who has also featured for Bromley towards the end of last season.
With Kacurri’s contract expiring at the end of this season, some clubs, including some in the EFL, are interested in a move for the centre-back this January and will likely compete with Morecambe, who want to bring him back for the remainder of the season.
However, Kacurri’s statement after departing will throw a lot of doubt into a return to the North West. (Quotes via Jeorge Bird’s Arsenal Youth):
“A lot of ups and downs but enjoyed and learnt a lot during my time at Morecambe.
“Thank you to the fans, players and coaching staff for welcoming me, I wish the best for everyone associated with the club going forwards.”
Morecambe manager Ashvir Singh Johal will now likely have to find a new replacement to partner club captain Alie Cesay heading into their next game in the FA Trophy against Kidderminster Harriers.
EFL Move Likely
With his abilities showing in what has been a horrid season purely on the pitch for Morecambe, it was almost an inevitability that Maldini Kacurri would move on elsewhere once his loan expired.
It is a shame for the Shrimps to lose a key player like the defender at a point where they look like they can battle against relegation and give themselves more of a fighting chance of staying up, but for Arsenal it is in their best interests to promote the player back into the EFL.
With just three appearances under his belt for Bromley, the 20-year-old will still be a novice in the fourth tier should he end up there, but his time at Morecambe will have more than prepared him to face up against some deadly attackers like Ollie Pearce and Josh Stones.
The decision for the Gunners is now whether to cash in on what little value is left on his contract, or allow him to develop on loan and perhaps earn himself a short extension to his contract in North London.
