Loan signings have been on the market since 1966, and have helped a number of clubs make remarkable temporary deals. Here are the top ten loan signings in the Premier League.
10. George Weah
Now the president of Liberia, Weah was well past his prime when he joined Chelsea in 2000. In 15 appearances, he scored five goals as the Blues lifted the FA Cup at the end of the season.
9. Robbie Keane
Keane arrived at Leeds United from Inter Milan, on a loan deal. He scored nine goals in 18 games as they qualified for the Champions League, but failed to hit the same heights after a permanent transfer to Elland Road. His time for Tottenham afterwards was much more improved.
8. Connor Gallagher
This might seem like a long shot, but the Chelsea academy graduate has enjoyed a remarkable spell at Crystal Palace. So far, he has scored four goals and provided 3 assists from midfield and is looking like a top-tier Premier League player. The remainder of the season will determine how good of a signing he really is for the Eagles.
7. Mikel Arteta
Prior to featuring for Arsenal, Arteta featured for Everton onl loan. The midfielder helped the Toffees qualify for the Champions League while on loan. Everton would then make his loan deal permanent, and he would spend five years at Goodison Park before moving to Arsenal.
6. Henrik Larsson
Receiving a heap of praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, Larsson’s three-month spell at Old Trafford is still one of the notable loan spells in the Premier League. He joined from Swiss club Helsingborg, and scored thrice in 13 games.
5. Jesse Lingard
With his Manchester United career suffering a slow death, Jesse Lingard peaked for West Ham under David Moyes. He scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 games as the Hammers qualified for the Europa League.
4. Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge’s time with Bolton Wanderers showed his capabilities better after a slow start with Chelsea. The English striker scored 8 times in 12 games as Bolton finished 14th in the league.
3. Romelu Lukaku
Every Baggies fan remembers Romelu Lukaku’s hat-trick against Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game in charge. The Belgian scored 17 times with West Brom during his loan spell from Chelsea. He has now returned to Stamford Bridge to help the team get more goals.
2. Jurgen Klinsmann
The former World Cup winner scored 20 goals during the 1994/95 campaign with Tottenham. He returned to Spurs in 98, and scored nine goals to keep a relegation-threatened team in the top flight. The final game of the season against Southampton proved to be the final game of his prolific playing career.
1. Christophe Dugarry
The centre-forward might not have had the most goals while on loan at Birmingham City, but his performances helped keep them in the top flight. The player was one of the first winter transfer window signings upon its introduction, and has left a big mark on the history of the club.
