As they approach the end of the transfer window, clubs at the top of the English football pyramid start looking to secure loan moves for their youngsters so that they can get regular game time and develop.
This means that a number of sides in the English Football League are able to sign highly-talented players on relatively favourable terms, which is what Barnet look to have done.
Ben Winterburn Set To Join Barnet On Loan
Dean Brennan’s side have agreed a deal to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Ben Winterburn on a season-long loan, as per Mark McAdam.
The 20-year-old has previously spent time out on loan in part-time football with AFC Totton and Weymouth.
Last season, the youngster remained at the Vitality Stadium for the entire campaign. He made six appearances for the Cherries, two of which were starts in the FA Cup.
He most recently came on as a substitute against Liverpool in the opening game of the Premier League season.
Have Barnet Pulled Off Another Transfer Masterstroke?
During his time at The Hive London, Brennan has built a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the lower leagues of English football, helping Barnet to compete at the top end of the National League despite having a notably lower budget than some of their competitors.
Danny Collinge arrived from a Dover Athletic team widely considered to be one of the worst in National League history, but has gone on to play 120 games for the Bees. Mark Shelton, who was somewhat of an outcast at Oldham Athletic, went on to have by far the best goalscoring season of his career last campaign.
After a poor start to the League Two season, which saw them lose each of their first three games, the Bees have moved away from their possession-based style of football and started playing a more territorial game.
This means that they have less need for technical ability and more need for aggression and energy in their midfield. This energy and pressing ability are exactly what Brennan will be hoping Winterburn can bring to North London.
McAdam’s comment that Winterburn has chosen Barnet due to the game time they can offer him is also quite interesting.
One of the reasons why Brennan is such a good squad builder is because of how ruthless he is. There have been countless occasions where fans’ favourites have been moved on in the search for more success. Most recently, this happened to Zak Brunt.
Therefore, there is no long-term guarantee of minutes for Winterburn if he doesn’t hit the ground running for the Bees. But Brennan is also an excellent coach who could help the 20-year-old make his mark in men’s football.