Huddersfield striker Hudlin joins Newport on loan

Standing at 6ft 9in, Kyle Hudlin is an imposing figure at centre forward

Newport County have signed Huddersfield Town striker Kyle Hudlin on loan.

The centre forward stands at 6ft 9in and is among the tallest footballers in the world.

He becomes Newport’s 17th signing of the summer transfer window but has not been signed in time to feature in Saturday’s League Two clash at Morecambe.

Newport have moved for 24-year-old Hudlin, as it was confirmed former Queens Park Rangers striker Hamzad Kargbo is set to be sidelined until December with a shoulder injury sustained in the 3-2 defeat at Cheltenham on the opening day of the season.

Newport head coach Nelson Jardim said: “It’s easy to recognise him on the pitch.

“I always think about the qualities he has as a footballer and obviously with losing Hamzad, who had his surgery this week, we fall short in terms of strikers.

“In between the options we had we felt Hudlin would be the best option for us to provide the cover we felt we needed and he is certainly a player who can affect both boxes. We know he is bringing more options to the club.”

Hudlin began his career with Solihull Moors before joining Huddersfield in July 2022. He has made two starts and seven substitute appearances for the League One club while having loans at AFC Wimbledon and Burton Albion.

Former Waltham Abbey goalkeeper Simon Bloch Jorgensen was considered to be the tallest footballer in history at 6ft 11in.

But given Hudlin’s height, Newport’s new recruit will clearly give them an added threat going forward and an invaluable aerial defensive quality – especially at set pieces.

Jardim said he will not reconsider set pieces because of Hudlin’s presence but he said: “He will be strong on that aspect of the game, but he has some qualities we can use as a platform.

“He has other attributes we can explore, and obviously this loan for him is something where he will be looking forward to improve his performance in terms of football.