Lukaku, Arteta and more – the greatest loan signings in Premier League history
- Charlie Smith
- @CharlieSmith118
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The use of the loan market is becoming more frequent all across the world, with sides jumping at the chance to sign some of the best young or surplus to requirement talent on a temporary basis. The Premier League has seen some shrewd short-term deals over the years, so we’ve decided to take a look back at some of the greatest loan signings in Premier League history.
Romelu Lukaku – West Brom
Romelu Lukaku has been the subject of some big-money moves in recent years, but his loan switch to West Brom back in 2012 was a brilliant piece of business by the Baggies. The Belgian netted 17 goals in 35 league games to fire Steve Clarke’s side to an impressive eighth-place finish before sealing a permanent move away from Chelsea to Everton.
Mikel Arteta – Everton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta enjoyed his first taste of Premier League football as a player back in 2005 with Everton. The midfielder was brought in on loan from Real Sociedad by David Moyes and took to life in England with ease, helping the Toffees to an incredible top-four finish. He’d make his move to Goodison Park permanent that summer and would go on to spend a further six years on Merseyside.
Daniel Sturridge – Bolton Wanderers
Daniel Sturridge was struggling for game time in 2011 with Chelsea, so he decided to link up with Owen Coyle at Bolton Wanderers for the second half of the season. The forward got his mojo back in front of goal at the Reebok and became only the sixth player to score in each of his first four games for a Premier League club. He finished with eight goals in 12 games and forced his way back into Chelsea’s plans the following season.
Amr Zaki – Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic’s loan deal for Zamalek striker Amr Zaki in 2008 was viewed as a strange one initially, however, the Egyptian began the season on fire, netting seven goals in eight games for the Latics. Zaki scored numerous eye-catching efforts, and by the end of the campaign, the temporary move turned out to be a wonderful piece of business by the club.
Ivan Campo – Bolton Wanderers
Sam Allardyce made some cracking signings during his time as Bolton boss, and one of his best came in 2002 when he persuaded midfielder Ivan Campo to swap the Bernabeu for the Reebok. Campo starred in the Premier League during his loan spell, which resulted in Bolton making his move from Real Madrid permanent 12 months on.
Jurgen Klinsmann – Tottenham
Tottenham knew exactly what they were getting in 1997 when they brought Jurgen Klinsmann back to north London. The German picked up from where he left off at White Hart Lane, and his goals during a loan spell from Sampdoria helped Spurs avoid what would have been a shock relegation.
Carlos Tevez – Manchester United
Carlos Tevez has been at the heart of some unconventional deals during his career, and his switch to Manchester United from West Ham in 2007 was technically a two-year loan. The Argentine struck up a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, however, his fan favourite tag at Old Trafford vanished when he moved to Manchester City in 2009.
Ryan Bertrand – Southampton
Ryan Bertrand was sent out on loan to seven different sides during his time at Chelsea, and his last temporary switch to Southampton proved to be the best. The full-back effortlessly filled the gap left by Luke Shaw in 2014 and has been an ever-present figure at St Mary’s since making his move permanent at the end of is impressive loan stint.
George Weah – Chelsea
George Weah was already a legend of the game when he moved to Chelsea on loan in 2000, and even though he was in the latter stages of his career, the Liberian still managed to make a positive impact at Stamford Bridge. Weah scored a late winner against Tottenham on his debut and helped the Blues to an FA Cup triumph.
Robbie Keane – Leeds United
Robbie Keane’s £13m move from Coventry City to Inter Milan at the turn of the century didn’t work out, so the Irishman returned to England six months later on loan at Leeds United. The forward struck nine times in 14 games as David O’Leary’s side challenged for a Champions League spot, and then made his move to Elland Road permanent at the end of the season.
Christophe Dugarry – Birmingham City
Many were left stunned when Steve Bruce lured World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry to St Andrew’s in 2003. The French midfielder didn’t disappoint, with five goals and many more wonderful performances playing a big part in Birmingham avoiding the drop. Dugarry made his move permanent that summer, but his best spell as a Blues players came during his temporary spell.
Loic Remy – Newcastle United
Loic Remy has represented numerous sides in England during his career, but the striker’s best form in England was during a season-long loan at Newcastle United. The Magpies secured the Frenchman’s services on a temporary basis from QPR, and he starred under Alan Pardew, scoring 14 times in 27 league appearances.
Kevin Campbell – Everton
Kevin Campbell’s move to Turkish side Trabzonspor from Nottingham Forest quickly turned sour, with the forward at the centre of an awful racist attack by chairman Mehemet Ali Yilmaz. Everton swiftly brought the striker back to the Premier League on loan, and Campbell repaid the club’s faith, scoring nine times in eight matches to lift the Toffees away from the relegation zone. Campbell also became the first loanee to win a Player of the Month award in the Premier League.
Kyle Walker – Aston Villa
Kyle Walker has been one of the best Premier League right-backs over the last nine years, but his first real taste of top-flight action came on loan at Aston Villa. Walker helped Villa to an impressive ninth-place finish during a six-month stay in the Midlands in 2011, which then helped him break into Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham line up.
Henrik Larsson – Manchester United
Henrik Larsson may have only scored three times during his short spell with Manchester United in 2007, but the experienced forward’s influence off the pitch came in for huge praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who tried to extend Larsson’s deal further. He left Old Trafford with a Premier League winners medal – not bad for a three-month stay!
Mamadou Sakho – Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho shored up Crystal Palace’s backline in 2017, helping the Eagles avoid the drop. He impressed so much during his short loan stint at Selhurst Park that he was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award after making just eight league appearances! Palace made Sakho’s move permanent for £24m that summer.
Steven Caulker – Swansea City
Steven Caulker has had two memorable loan spells during his career, with his move to Liverpool in 2016 going down as one of the worst in Premier League history. However, his temporary switch to Swansea from Tottenham in 2011 is one that will be remembered for all the right reasons. The defender starred in Brendan Rodgers’ side, helping them survive with ease in their first top-flight campaign.