Express & Star

Walsall sign Brentford striker Justin Shaibu on loan

Walsall have snapped up highly rated Brentford striker Justin Shaibu on loan for the rest of the season.

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Justin Shaibu

The 20-year-old becomes the Saddlers second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of George Dobson earlier this month.

It is understood Walsall are still waiting on confirmation that Shaibu has been registered in time to face Blackburn tomorrow. But the club do expect him to be able to play.

A Danish under-20 international, Shaibu joined the Bees from home-town club HB Køge back in June 2016.

Initially signed for Brentford's B team, the forward was promoted to the first-team ranks ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

He has featured five times for Dean Smith's side this season and scored his first senior goal in a League Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon.

Shaibu's arrival follows the departures of attacking loanees Tyler Roberts, Daniel Agyei and Zeli Ismail earlier this month.

And Walsall boss Jon Whitney is delighted to have added the youngster to his ranks.

“We needed some reinforcements up top and it’s important that Justin came in,” the boss said.

“I spoke to Dean Smith about him in the last transfer window and he needs games now.

“They brought him in from Denmark in 2016 and they see him as having a very big future.

“He’s got raw pace and he gives us that threat up front.

“Dean obviously knows how we work here and that we can help to develop him between now and the end of the season.

“Justin will come in and give us that attacking threat.”