The most successful loan signings

Loan signings are one of football’s great dividers. Used correctly and sparingly, they can be the difference between success and failure, like any addition to any squad. Used too liberally, like in Watford’s case this season with eleven signings, and criticism can be expected. Here are some of the most successful loan signings in English football.

Jermaine Defoe (West Ham to Bournemouth)

Mr Defoe’s career was not all internationals and glamorous European ties. Back as an 18-year-old wonderboy, he was farmed out to Bournemouth, where he scored in a record ten successive league games in the then Division Two. 12 goals in those ten games helped his reputation grow, and he has enjoyed successful spells with West Ham, Tottenham twice, and Portsmouth.

Jurgen Klinsmann (Bayern Munich to Tottenham)

Back in the 1997-98 season, Tottenham were far from the fearsome force they are today, and were struggling against relegation. Klinsmann had already enjoyed a successful spell at White Hart Lane, and this time proved the saviour as his goals helped his side avoid the drop.

Kevin Campbell (Trapsonspor to Everton)

Another story of the knight in shining armour riding to a teams’s rescue, Kevin Campbell’s nine goals in eight games were the key difference between relegation and survival for Everton in the 1998-99 season. Inevitably a permanent deal followed, with Campbell being top scorer for the next two seasons.

Christophe Dugarry (Bordeaux to Birmingham)

The Frenchman had a glittering career that took him to the sights of Barcelona, Milan, and er.. Birmingham. Dugarry has been inducted into the Birmingham hall of fame and this is largely due to the run of five goals in five games during his loan spell that saved them from relegation. His form dipped after his permanent signing, but he will always be remembered fondly at St Andrews.

Ivan Campo (Real Madrid to Bolton)

The season-long loan signing of the Spaniard was a surprising one for many Bolton fans, and the rest of the Premier League in the summer of 2002. Playing a key role in keeping Bolton up in their second season back in the top flight, the defensive midfielder went on to be a staple figure in Sam Allardyce’s over-achieving side, before leaving in 2008.

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