Dylan Levitt's loan exit makes the best of a bad situation

Dylan Levitt has left Manchester United to move on loan to Croatian side NK Istra.

It is a surprise move, taking advantage of the Croatian transfer window’s extended deadline.

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Levitt has a tough task ahead. NK Istra sit rock bottom of the Croatian top flight after 20 games.

The club have gained just one point from the last five matches and have a total of three wins all season, with just 13 goals scored.

Levitt should be commended for embracing the challenge. He could quite easily have stayed in the under-23s and seen out the season.

FBL-WAL-USA-FRIENDLY — (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

Making the best of a bad situation

Levitt’s objective this season was always to go out on loan. After plenty of deliberation, he was sent to Charlton Athletic in September.

This ended up as a disastrous move for him. Levitt started only three League One games before the loan was cancelled.

If there were enquiries for him in January, nothing was agreed upon.

Levitt resumed playing for the under-23s and this may have helped boost his confidence, although he was at fault for an early goal conceded against Blackburn a week ago with an errant pass. He did improve and the team went on to win 6-4.

Rather than be stuck playing under-23 football, this loan gives Levitt the challenge he wanted, competitive games. At 20, Levitt needs to build his career, whether he makes it at United or not.

NK Istra’s position shouldn’t worry him. It actually presents a good opportunity for him, to play for a club which probably need him.

International hopes kept alive, just

Levitt began the season playing for Wales at international level. His dream is to get picked by Ryan Giggs for the Euro 2021 squad.

His loan at Charlton has hurt these prospects. Playing for the under-23s would not necessarily have helped his cause.

This loan does work to keep his prospects of a Euro 2021 place alive. It is a fresh start, allowing him to play competitively.

A late season loan to the bottom team in the Croatian league won’t have been how Levitt saw his season panning out, but it is making the best of a bad situation.

Any time a young footballer gets the chance to play and learn abroad it is a big opportunity. Croatia should be a lot warmer than Manchester too. He might just enjoy it.