God. Remember when Arsenal signed Albert Sambi Lokonga? That summer of 2021 feels like a lifetime ago now. The Belgian midfielder was supposed to be this dynamic presence in midfield, but instead he's turned into one of those transfer stories clubs wish they could quietly delete from their history.

I actually watched him play against Atletico Madrid last month. Looked decent for about 30 minutes before clutching that troublesome hamstring again. Poor guy can't catch a break.

The £10.25m Option Nobody Wants

Let's get straight to teh point - Sevilla won't be triggering Lokonga's buy option this summer. Not even close. The Spanish club had a chance to make the 25-year-old's move permanent for £10.25 million, but after watching him spend more time with the medical staff than on the pitch, they've understandably gone cold on the idea.

Just 21 appearances all season. That's it.

Back in 2018, I interviewed a Premier League physio who told me hamstring injuries are the absolute worst for midfielders because they never quite trust their body again. "Players start playing at 80% to protect themselves," he said. Watching Lokonga lately, that assessment feels spot on.

What The Hell Happens Next?

Arsenal are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They're desperate to offload him to boost their summer transfer kitty (which my sources tell me is considerably tighter than fans realize). Problem is, who's buying a midfielder with persistent injury issues and two years left on his contract?

Sevilla apparently tried negotiating a lower fee. Arsenal weren't having it.

I texted a contact at Arsenal last night about Lokonga's situation. His response: "Zero chance he plays for us again. Zero."

The Loan Carousel From Hell

Remember when Lokonga went to Crystal Palace? Or that bizarre Luton Town stint? Neither do most people. Both were completely forgettable periods that did nothing for his development or market value.

At least Sevilla are covering his wages this season. Small victories, I guess.

What makes this whole situation more awkward is Lokonga's February interview where he publicly declared how much he loves Sevilla. "After leaving Anderlecht, Sevilla is the club where I feel very, very good," he said, probably not anticipating his fourth hamstring problem was just around the corner.

The €18m Mistake

I spent $40 on an Uber last weekend and felt guilty about it for days. Now imagine spending €18 million on a player who's made just 39 appearances for your club in three years. That's the kind of financial decision that keeps sporting directors awake at 3am.

Arteta clearly doesn't rate him. Never has, if we're being honest.

The contract runs until 2026, which means Arsenal either need to find a buyer this summer or potentially loan him out AGAIN next season. It's like trying to sell a car that breaks down every other week - eventually you just want it gone, regardless of price.

When Belgian Talent Goes Wrong...

The frustrating part about all this? Lokonga actually looked promising at Anderlecht. There's a player in there somewhere, buried beneath the injury reports and confidence issues.

But football waits for no one. Arsenal have moved on, building a midfield around Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and others while Lokonga has become that awkward name fans occasionally remember and ask, "Is he still our player?"

Yes. Yes he is.

And unless something dramatic changes this summer, Arsenal's forgotten man will be back at London Colney for pre-season training, like that distant relative who shows up at family gatherings and nobody quite knows how to interact with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it that shinguards are mandatory for all football players?

Shin guards must be worn by all footballers. They protect the lower leg, which is vulnerable to injury from collisions and tackles. The shin guards protect the lower legs from injuries such as fractures and severe bruises. Football's governing bodies require players to wear shinguards as a way to promote safety.

Should I wear compression equipment when playing football

Compression gear like shorts, leggings and tops may be beneficial for players of football. These items can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscular fatigue and speed up recovery following a match or training. A tight-fitting material may also help to stabilize the muscles. It is up to the individual whether they choose compression gear. Comfort should always be the first consideration when choosing this equipment.

Can the choice in socks have an impact on a football player’s performance?

Absolutely. Football socks support and protect the player's toes during intense gameplay. The socks help to keep the shinguards on, they reduce friction which prevents blisters and they cushion the foot. Good football socks will improve a players comfort which will in turn affect their performance.

What is the best type of goalkeeper glove for grip and protection?

Goalkeeper gloves with a latex palm offer the best grip under various playing conditions. The thickness and density of the latex can vary to balance grip and durability. Gloves with finger protection systems, such as spines or stiffening material, can also prevent hyperextension injuries. A good pair of gloves should also be comfortable and fit well to enable the goalkeeper to perform at their best.

Can I wear athletic clothing or only football gear?

While technically you can play football in any athletic attire, football-specific clothing is recommended as it is designed to enhance performance and comfort on the field. Jerseys and briefs are typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that promote airflow and reduce overheating. The fit allows for full range of movement, which improves agility and response during play.

Statistics

• Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
• Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
• Compression garments are used by about 50% of professional football players during training sessions for muscle support and injury prevention.
• Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.
• Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.

External Links

decathlon.co.uk

• Decathlon

footy.com

• Footy.com

soccer.com

• Shin Guard Guide from SOCCER.COM

nike.com

• Nike Football

puma.com

• PUMA Football Equipment

How To

How To Select Comfortable and Functional Football Apparel

The key to selecting the right football apparel is comfort and functionality. The fabric must be breathable to keep you dry and cool. Fit is important to ensure that clothing does not restrict movement or cause chafing during play. Consider materials that offer warmth without compromising mobility in colder climates. The fit and design of the socks is important. They must secure the shinguards and provide sufficient cushioning without being excessively thick or restrictive. Customizing your football kit can also inspire team unity and confidence.