Bayern Munich sign Real Madrid's James Rodriguez on a two-year deal - A look at the top 10 loan signings

Sport360 staff 19:38 11/07/2017
James Rodriguez

Bayern Munich have signed James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a two-year loan deal, the Bundesliga champions have announced.

Bayern, managed by former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, will have the option to buy the Colombia international in 2019.

Ancelotti worked with Rodriguez during what was probably his most productive season at the Bernabeu – his debut campaign in 2014-15 – and he will hope to get the best out of the 25-year-old once more.

Rodriguez had fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu to such an extent that he was left out of their squad for the Champions League final in June.

Meanwhile, Douglas Costa is set to leave Bayern and sign for Juventus on a two-year loan deal as well.

Here’s a look at the top 10 loan deals.

HENRIK LARSSON – Helsingborg IF to Manchester United (2007)

The Swedish legend had nothing to prove after a long and illustrious career but the allure of Manchester United proved irresistible.

For three months between January and March of 2007, he played out of his skin and made some vital contributions, like scoring on his debut against Aston Villa in the 2-1 FA Cup win. He also bagged goals in the 1-0 Champions League triumph over Lille and in a 4-0 Premier League thrashing of Watford.

He was even given special dispensation to claim a League winners medal after he left and is regarded as one of Alex Ferguson’s best ever signings.

IVAN CAMPO – Real Madrid to Bolton Wanderers (2002/03)

Ivan Campo made an instant impact on his arrival in England, scoring a phenomenal goal from range against Tottenham.

His performances for the team were excellent and he took up Sam Allardyce’s offer for a permanent deal at the end of the season and eventually stayed until 2008.

ROMELU LUKAKU – Chelsea to West Brom (2012/13)

Frustrated over his lack of playing time, Romelu Lukaku joined West Bromwich Albion on loan in 2012. He proved to be a stellar signing for The Baggies as he scored 17 goals that season, more than any Chelsea player.

He scored a second half hat-trick in a 5-5 draw against Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last match in charge.

EDGAR DAVIDS – Juventus to Barcelona – (2004)

The Dutchman joined Barcelona for a short stint in January 2004 as the team languished in mid-table.

He brought an all-action and energetic side to an under-performing team. His impressive performances led the side to second place in La Liga.

JURGEN KLINSMANN – Sampdoria to Tottenham (1997/98)

Jurgen Klinsmann cemented his place in Tottenham’s 1994-95 season, scoring 29 goals.

With Spurs flirting with relegation in 1997, they sent out an SOS to their German hero. Despite returning at the age of 34, he delivered for the north London side, scoring nine goals in 15 appearances, including a stunning four goal haul away at Wimbledon.

MIKEL ARTETA – Real Sociedad to Everton (2005)

Struggling for first team action at Real Sociedad, Arteta signed with Everton for a year-long deal under David Moyes.

The Spaniard was easily the team’s best passer and dictated play. He signed on a permanent deal in the following season.

JERMAIN DEFOE – West Ham to Bournemouth (2000/01)

Jermain Defoe enjoyed a prolific spell at Bournemouth. He scored 18 goals in 27 appearances, including 10 in consecutive matches, a league record at the time.

The Englishman went back to West Ham at the end of his loan but has returned to Bournemouth this summer on a three-year deal.


FERNANDO MORIENTES – Real Madrid to AS Monaco (2003/04)

With his playing time at Real Madrid diminishing, Morientes was loaned to AS Monaco where he enjoyed a phenomenal season.

The Spaniard led them to the Champions League final as the top scorer in the tournament with nine goals.

Real Madrid and Monaco met in the quarter finals and Morientes put in a good display that saw his parent team dumped out. He scored a vital away goal in the first leg (2–4 away loss), and scored again in a 3-1 victory in the return leg.

DANIEL STURRIDGE – Chelsea to Bolton (2011)

Chelsea loaned Daniel Sturridge to Bolton for some first team experience and the English striker excelled a the club.

He scored an injury time winner on his debut off the bench. He finished his stint with eight goals in 12 appearances.

KEVIN CAMPBELL – Trabzonspor to Everton (1999)

In a desperate attempt to avoid relegation, Everton signed up Kevin Campbell on loan from Trabzonspor in March in 1999.

He scored nine times in eight games, leading to a permanent deal in the summer.

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