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Signing players on loan has always been a hit-or-miss strategy for teams in the Premier League. Young players are often loaned to help them attain the experience of playing football regularly.
Teams often loan out fringe or underperforming players to give them a chance at rejuvenating their careers elsewhere. Loan spells can improve players' confidence and they often return to their parent team with an increased market value.
Premier League clubs sign players on loan hoping they will make a difference to their squads in the short term. Other clubs sign players on loan because they do not have the funds to land their top targets on permanent deals.
The English Premier League has witnessed several clubs benefiting from player loans. Jurgen Klinsmann to Tottenham in the 1997-98 season, Henrik Larsson for Manchester United in the 2006-07 campaign and Mikel Arteta to Everton in January 2005 are a few examples of loan signings working out.
On that note, let's look at the five best loan signings in the Premier League this season.
#5 Joe Willock, Newcastle United
Joe Willock began his football career at Arsenal's youth academy. The youngster made his debut for the club in 2017 and was often used in Cup competitions for the Gunners.
After failing to find a regular place in Arsenal's starting line-up during the first half of the season, Willock joined Newcastle on loan in January.
Many expected the 21-year-old to be used as an impact substitute by Steve Bruce, but the midfielder has contributed five goals in eleven games for Newcastle United. His record of four goals in his last four games in the league has been crucial in helping Newcastle maintain their Premier League status this season.
#4 Jack Harrison, Leeds United
The Manchester City loanee joined Leeds United in 2018. Jack Harrison has been a key member of Marcelo Bielsa's side over the last three seasons, helping Leeds United gain promotion to the Premier League last year.
Harrison is heralded for his work-rate and ability to run with the football, but has never been known as a goal threat. The attacking midfielder has chipped in with seven goals and six assists in the Premier League for Leeds United this season. It seems likely that the team will look to sign Jack Harrison permanently this summer.
#3 Joachim Andersen, Fulham
The Danish centre-back joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Lyon last summer. Despite seeing his club get relegated from the Premier League this weekend, Joachim Andersen has been one of the shining lights for Scott Parker's side.
Andersen has played 29 games for Fulham this season and has impressed several Premier League clubs with his performances. Andersen has the 4th highest clearances in the Premier League, with 145. He has also helped his team keep nine clean sheets this campaign. Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Danish centre-back this summer.
#2 Craig Dawson
West Ham United surprised fans and pundits alike when they signed 31-year-old defender Craig Dawson on a season-long loan from Watford in October 2020. The former West Brom man was expected to be behind the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop in West Ham's pecking order.
West Ham signed Dawson to add some experience and solidity to their defense. He has been one of their best players this season. The team have not had a player with Dawson's warrior-like style of defending over the last few seasons.
Dawson has also managed to chip in with three goals in eighteen league appearances for West Ham this season. Hammers boss David Moyes will look to sign the centre-back permanently from Watford this summer.
#1 Jesse Lingard
Acquiring Jesse Lingard on loan from Manchester United in January has turned out to be one of the signings of the season. Lingard failed to make a Premier League appearance for the Red Devils this season before joining West Ham.
Since joining the Hammers, Lingard has rejuvenated his career and has become one of the most in-form players in the Premier League. His nine goals and four assists in 13 Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side has propelled them into fifth place in the Premier League table.
Lingard's current form could earn him a spot in England's squad for the 2021 European Championships this summer.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he is a fan of Jesse Lingard and would like to see the midfielder return to the club this summer. However, it seems likely that Manchester United could look to sell Lingard this summer to make use of his current market value.
