Career of ex-Pompey target takes bizarre twist as loan spell scrapped after 5 weeks
· Neil Allen · 2026-08-12T10:34:44+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Career of ex-Portsmouth target and Crystal Palace starlet takes bizarre twist as loan spell scrapped after five weeks
The highly-regarded 20-year-old has had four loan spells in 12 months
A former Pompey target is on the move again - after his loan deal was scrapped after five weeks.
Highly-regarded Crystal Palace prospect Hindolo Mustapha joined Wigan last month on a season-long arrangement designed to offer game time for his development.
However, after just 39 days with the League One club, it has been declared the winger’s stay is now over, without having featured in any competitive action.
Intriguingly, Wigan announced in a statement on Tuesday that ‘a change would be beneficial for all parties’ after returning Mustapha to the Premier League club.
Although it hasn’t taken the Sierra Leone international long to find another club - with a season-long loan to Notts County unveiled later on the same day.
John Mousinho scouting missions
Only last summer, Mustapha had been on Pompey’s radar, with Mousinho having undertaken several scouting missions to watch him in action for Palace’s Under-21s.
Yet it was decided to look elsewhere to strengthen the Blues’ attacking areas, while the youngster instead went to FC Nurnberg for what would prove to be an unsuccessful loan stay.
Now he has switched to newly-promoted Notts County, who have returned to League One this season following a play-off final victory over Salford at Wembley in May.
‘After a period of adapting to his surroundings, it was felt that a change would be beneficial for all parties. Hindolo now returns to Selhurst Park to continue the next stage of his development.
‘The midfielder joined Wigan Athletic on loan in early July and made several appearances for the Club during his short stay at the Brick Community Stadium and throughout pre-season.
‘Everyone at Wigan Athletic would like to thank Hindolo for his efforts during his time with the Club and wish him every success for the future.’
Four loan moves by the age of 20
The move to Notts County represents Mustapha’s fourth loan spell at the age of 20.
Last season he failed to make an appearance at Nurnberg, a side in Bundesliga 2, with his stay cut short five months in the deal after failing to impress manager Miroslav Klose.
In February he linked up with West Brom, although featured just twice during the remainder of the Championship season.
Then he joined Wigan in July - and now he has remained in League One following a switch to the Magpies.
‘Hindolo needs a settled home to really establish himself in the men’s game’
‘He’s powerful, skilful and direct – and capable of scoring different types of goals.
‘Hindolo needs a settled home to really establish himself in the men’s game and that’s what we’ll be providing him with.’