Doncaster Rovers are reportedly interested in making midfielder Charlie Lakin’s loan move from Burton Albion into a permanent deal at the end of the season, according to head coach Danny Schofield.
It is understood that, despite having a year left on his current deal at the Pirelli Stadium, Lakin was free to leave the club on a permanent basis after falling down the pecking order under boss Dino Maamria.
The 23-year-old former Birmingham City youngster joined the club on loan from the Brewers in January and has made ten appearances for Danny Schofield’s side before a hip injury ended his season early.
Before his short loan spell at the Eco-Power Stadium, Lakin played a total of 16 games for Birmingham City in all competitions before heading out on loan at the likes of Stevenage and Ross County in Scotland, with the Blues Academy graduate eventually making the move to Burton Albion on a permanent deal in August 2021.
Well Danny Schofield did say that Doncaster were “probably” done in this transfer window…
A 5th new signing now confirmed as 23yo central midfielder Charlie Lakin arrives on loan from Burton Albion for the rest of the season.#drfc | @footballheaven pic.twitter.com/FB0dTxpzSx
— Adam Oxley (@adam3oxley) January 27, 2023
In terms of the clubs’ current league position, Doncaster currently sit 13th in League Two with ten games to go, with Rovers sitting 9 points behind Salford City in the final playoff place in their first season back in the fourth division following relegation from League One last season.
Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press, Rovers boss Danny Schofield has explained that he would like to explore the possibility of bringing back Lakin on a permanent deal come the end of the season and how he was pleased with the 23-year-old’s contribution before injury eventually ended his season.
“I was really pleased with Charlie’s contribution, albeit for a short period of time,” said Schofield. “I think he would have gone from strength to strength going forward, he was showing signs of doing that.
“He’s someone we probably need to discuss going forward, he’s a contracted player at Burton, so he’s a Burton player at the moment.
“But he’s a player definitely of interest to us.”
Writers View
Before his unfortunate season-ending injury, it seemed like Charlie Lakin was having a good time over in Doncaster and, above else, playing regular football in which he might not have been getting over at Burton Albion.
In terms of a potential summer move to the club on a permanent deal, if Burton are willing to let him go in the way in which they sound like they are, I’m sure Danny Schofield will be looking to act on it to try and make it happen.
However, there is sure to be interest from other clubs further down the line when he is fully fit but if Doncaster was to go and sign Lakin on a permanent basis, I think it will be very smart business.
