Huddersfield nabs Monaco defender Kongolo on 6-month loan

Huddersfield Town announced Tuesday that the club's completed a deal to bring Netherlands international defender Terence Kongolo on loan from AS Monaco until June 30, 2018 - the end of the Premier League season.

The 23-year-old centre-back joined Monaco last July out of Dutch outfit Feyenoord for a reported fee of €15 million. He was an integral part of the Feyenoord team that captured the 2016-17 Eredivisie title, starting in 22 matches in that campaign and 137 times for the club overall. He hasn't fared quite as well at Monaco though, playing just six times in all competitions.

Kongolo has mostly been deputised at left-back by Leonardo Jardim, a position he was familiar with at Feyenoord, though as a temporary measure. At 6-foot-2, Kongolo's preferred position is in the middle. He brings a strong aerial presence to David Wagner's backline, a prospect the Terriers boss relishes.

"Terence is a top player who we've followed from his time at Feyenoord," Wagner said in a statement. "His big summer move to Monaco put him out of our reach at the time, but we're delighted we can bring him in on loan now."

Wagner added: "Terence has qualities that will really suit our style of play. He's athletic and mobile and he plays on the front foot in the way he defends and uses the ball."

Huddersfield is also welcoming defenders Michael Hefele and Jon Gorenc Stankovic back from injuries, further bolstering Wagner's defensive options. He'll be hoping his strengthened backline can help 11th-placed Huddersfield concede fewer goals, too: the Terriers rank fourth-worst in goals allowed in the Premier League this season after conceding 35 times in 22 matches.