The loan system was introduced into football to serve a real purpose to lower-league clubs: those who can’t buy, borrow. But in modern times, signing a player on loan seems to be as beneficial for the club lending out, as it does for the receiving team. But thinking about it, just how valuable has the loan system really been this season? There have been calls for a reform of the rules for a long time, but I’m sure some of the Premier League’s top clubs wouldn’t be too happy should the FA intervene.
To put it into context, Arsenal currently have 19 players out on loan. The beneficiaries? West Brom who currently have Carlos Vela, Cardiff City are helping themselves to the services of both Aaron Ramsey and Jay-Emmanuel Thomas and Henri Lansbury is leading Norwich City’s promotion push. It’s not just the Gunners who are seeing the benefit of loaning out their future stars either. Take Daniel Sturridge for example, how well is he doing at Bolton? Surely Chelsea are pleased with his progress. It’s not as if the youngster is going to force Torres, Anelka or Drogba out of the team. There are clearly advantages to be had from the much debated loan system.
I could argue many more cases. Tom Cleverley is learning the Premier League trade at Wigan with hopes of going back to Manchester United, Jack Wilshere was one of Bolton’s best players last season and Kyle Walker is currently flying at Aston Villa. As well as clubs seeing the benefit of lending their prospects out, Premier League sides seem to be wakening up to the advantages of loaning a player, and I for one can’t blame them.
Unless you have an owner who uses £50 notes as a napkin, competing in the top-flight these days is becoming increasingly difficult. To improve, teams need better players; but better players cost money. Expressing an interest in talent, particularly English talent, tends to double the price tag. So how do you get around it? Easy – borrow. What are Tottenham going to do with Jamie O’Hara if he isn’t to go out on loan? He’s clearly good enough to play in the Premier League so why not let him play? There’s an argument to be had that O’Hara could keep Wolves up on his form. So if he does, Harry Redknapp has the option to bring back a player who has Premier League experience, coupled with the raw ability that has kept him on the brink of first team football at White Hart Lane in the first place.
Reading what people think about the loan system, it certainly makes for an interesting debate. I’m of the opinion that if some of the best sides in the league cannot give a real talent enough minutes, why not send him out on loan? Yes, admittedly it does contradict the original purpose of the rule, but then again, who cares? Danny Welbeck has never had a better season. He has benefited, Sunderland have certainly got the most out of the deal and in the long run, so will Manchester United.
The debate surrounding the loan rules seem to be one born out of bitterness from the old-school football fan. I’d much rather see home-grown talent given the chance to prove themselves at another Premier League club than see them waste a season on the bench at a club where they probably won’t get a game. There are benefits to be had for all involved. What’s that phrase? If it’s not broke…
The article was written by James Ireson for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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INTRODUCING WINDOWS PHONE 7! . . .
Liverpool love to loan players out to lower league teams that are of no benefit to the player or our club. Seeing as players are best loaned out to midtable Prem clubs though, now is the perfect opportunity to throw our own reserves into our own first team!
We’re not getting top 4, and chasing Europa League shouldn’t be a priority over developing a squad that can challenge for titles. Get the failures out (e.g. Maxi, Poulsen, Kuyt, Cole, Skrtel etc) and give the kids the platform to step forward over the next couple of months!