Brentford goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe has joined Doncaster Rovers on loan.
The 21-year-old joins until the end of the season.
Doncaster Rovers Sign Ellery Balcombe on Loan
Welcome @ellerybalcombe_ ! #DRFC https://t.co/HmghISPRy5 pic.twitter.com/AukvDb4Wxz
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 6, 2021
Much Needed Goalkeeper Addition
Doncaster Rovers started the League One season in fine shape, in terms of their goalkeeper position at least. That was the case until mid-November when injury-hit Stoke City recalled England U21 international goalkeeper Josef Bursik from his loan at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Until now, Rovers had turned to securing the emergency loan of Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Joe Lumley on a weekly basis. However, that wasn’t going to last forever, and Lumley has returned to his parent club.
The January transfer window was always going to provide the perfect opportunity to genuinely replace Josef Bursik and Doncaster have done just that with the addition of Ellery Balcombe.
Make or Break for Balcombe
Like Bursik, Balcombe has been in and around the England youth setup, the Brentford academy prospect has represented his country at U18, U19 and U20 level.
Balcombe is not a stranger to a loan spell, having spent time at Boreham Wood and Viborg. Though, this move provides far greater opportunity.
In his 16 games across both of those loan moves, he kept four clean sheets, conceding 16 goals.
He is yet to feature for Brentford, but this move could be make or break for his chances.
Manager Darren Moore has often found the right man when it comes to the acquisition of a goalkeeper during his time at Doncaster Rovers. Seny Dieng had a particularly good year at the club and Bursik started well – both are now playing in the Championship for their parent-clubs. This only enhances Doncaster’s good record with loanees.
Balcombe will wear the number one shirt during his stay in Doncaster.
Ben Whiteman Interest Continues
Elsewhere, Doncaster face a battle to keep captain Ben Whiteman this January, with continued interest from the Championship. Chief executive Gavin Balwin stressed in the summer that he would only be allowed to leave the club for a fee that would provide the funds to adequately strengthen the team.
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