Whether a player has made a permanent transfer or has joined a club on a loan deal, some stars fail to make an impression and others become fan favourites. Here are some great examples of the latter!
In the rapidly changing world of football, loan moves have become a common occurrence, shaping the dynamics of teams and players alike. These temporary transfers often provide an avenue for players to gain valuable experience through an opportunity to secure regular playing time, or to even revive their careers.
Read: PSG 'ready to test' Man Utd with 'huge' bid for star man
In most cases it is younger players who get sent out so they can grow as a player, a professional, and a person. In some cases, it is because a player may have found himself becoming a fringe member of the squad, and a temporary move away could prove that he has the ability to be more than what his parent club sees him as.
Fernando Morientes
When looking back Real Madrid's decision to loan Morientes out to AS Monaco in 2003, the ones responsible for making it would be kicking themselves after what transpired during his time at the French club. He just happened to be at the Spanish giants during the rise of the Galactico era. As such, he was deemed surplus requirements at the time and sent on loan.
Looking for a club where he could get playing time and compete for trophies was the main challenge for until the French side gave him a call. The move turned out to be better than anyone could have thought. Les Rouge et Blanc would end the season third in Ligue 1 and would go on to reach the final of the UEFA Champions League where they lost 3-0 to FC Porto. During the quarter-finals, however, Morientes met his parent club and not only did he beat the side to progress, but he also scored against them.
"It was a very special match for AS Monaco, for the supporters, for the Club, but for me in particular. We played against the great Real. Nobody, not even me, thought that AS Monaco could eliminate Real Madrid," the player said per Monaco's official website. I was able to score a goal in the first leg, another in the second leg and those helped eliminate Real Madrid. They were one of the best teams in Europe, who many people considered the future European champions. This game was special for that. We eliminated the Galacticos…"
Jurgen Klinsmann
Klinsmann had two spells at Tottenham Hotspur, the first being in July 1994 to July 1995 and the second coming in the form of a six month spell in 1998. It was that spell that solidified himself in the hearts of fans after he helped the Lilywhites keep their status as a top-flight side.
He arrived while the cub were in the midst of a relegation battle and proved to be their saviour by scoring nine goals in 15 matches. Not only did he look like an angel when he donned the white of the North London, but the way he saved the club from pending doom was something heavenly.
Carlos Tevez
Many people may have many things to say about the Argentine, but what cannot be denied is the brilliance he possessed as a player. He had it all. He was skillful, versatile, tenacious, explosive, hard-working, and he was also prolific in front of goal. What more could you want? Well, perhaps a little less chaos off the field. The Argentine could argue that the way he was brought him plenty of success, and he would be right.
The man who also wore the sky blue of Manchester City spent two years on loan at Manchester United from West Ham. During his time there, playing alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, he won two Premier League titles as well as the Champions League. He made 99 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 34 goals and amassing 14 assists.
Thibaut Courtois
The lanky shot-stopper joined Chelsea in 2011 as a prospect for the future, and was immediately sent out on a loan move to Atletico Madrid. He would stay at the Spanish club for a total of three seasons and solidify himself in the club's history books. He played an important role in helping Los Colchoneros to a LALIGA title in 2014, which is also the last time the side have won it.
In his first season with the club, he was a part of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League. The following season, he won the UEFA Super Cup and a Copa Del Rey with the side, racking up 154 appearances.
Read: Arteta has created mentality monsters at Arsenal
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: