Newport County Pursues Extension of Kyle Hudlin’s Loan from Huddersfield Town

Newport County is currently engaged in discussions with Huddersfield Town regarding the potential retention of forward Kyle Hudlin at the League Two team. Head coach Nelson Jardim has expressed satisfaction with Hudlin’s performance since his arrival on loan from Huddersfield. The club is awaiting approval from Huddersfield, also known as the Terriers, to prolong the 24-year-old player’s loan agreement through the conclusion of the current season. Since securing a four-month loan agreement on deadline day in August, Hudlin has registered four goals across 17 matches. The 6-foot-9-inch forward’s current arrangement is set to conclude following the upcoming three fixtures, and he has indicated his willingness to remain in south Wales. Nelson Jardim, Newport’s manager, has now confirmed that conversations have taken place with the League One club regarding an extension. Jardim stated, “There are talks ongoing but we have shown from our end he is someone we are happy with, and he’s happy being here.” He further added, “But we still have a third party in Huddersfield. We are always open to talk and discuss and try to find the best thing for everyone.” Hudlin commenced his career in the EFL after joining Huddersfield in 2022, having transferred from Solihull Moors. He still has one year left on his contract at the John Smith’s Stadium but has previously had loan spells with Burton and Wimbledon. His move to Newport occurred following a significant shoulder injury sustained by County striker Hamzad Kargbo during the season’s inaugural match. Kargbo, who was signed from QPR in the summer, has recovered from surgery and is now fit; however, Jardim continues to express a strong desire to retain Hudlin. The Portuguese coach commented, “We had to express from our end that we wanted to keep him but everything has been done it’s just working through the process.” The current loan agreement is scheduled to terminate on January 2, which coincides with County’s home fixture against Wimbledon. By that date, Jardim anticipates the return to fitness of Courtney Baker-Richardson, with the 29-year-old expected to recover from a calf issue within a week. Jardim reported no additional injury concerns apart from those players with long-term absences, as the Exiles prepare for their first home match in over a month against MK Dons. Reflecting on the team’s three consecutive away draws since a goalless tie with Grimsby at Rodney Parade on November 16, Jardim stated, “Points on the road are very good, but you want to back that up with a win at home, and that’s what we want to do.” He continued, “It will be very, very tough, but I am sure with our preparation with support from everyone and energy they bring we can have a good Christmas.”