Top 5 Loan signings of the 2013/14 Premier League season

While it is true that you need to spend money to buy good players, that isnt always the case. If you are astute and at times lucky, you can land a player for absolutely free. While free transfers arent all that common in the current climate, loan signings are.For, if you dont have the cash to sign tons of players, it makes sense to sign a few on loan and make the most out of the loan system. Whilst some make the desired impact, others fall by the wayside.Here are five players who made the best out of their loan spell this season.

#5 Fabio Borini

After a £11m move from Roma, Fabio Borini was expected to hit the ground running. Unfortunately for him and for Liverpool, it never quite worked out and he was shipped out on loan to Sunderland. Although Di Canio’s time in charge of the club was far from enjoyable, one of the few good things he did was bring Borini to Wearside.

The 23-year-old Italian striker quickly made a name for himself and although Connor Wickham might get all the credit for his late season form, it was the Italian whose consistent displays in attack throughout the season that paved the way for Gus Poyet’s “miracle”.

Whether it was scoring in his first Tyne-Wear derby or scoring the winner against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup semi-final, the Italian certainly scored some memorable goals and was the sole shining light throughout the Black Cats’ season.

#4 Gareth Barry

From earning his wages whilst warming the bench in a squad full of millionaires to being a first-team regular at Everton, Gareth Barry, as Robert Frost once so eloquently put it, chose “the road not taken”. And judging by his performances, it has certainly worked out well for the Englishman, who has kept his club career alive and well.

The former Aston Villa man was a key cog in the Everton machine that almost pipped Arsenal to the post in the League. And, of all the loan signings, Barry has emerged as one of the most pivotal because of his role in the side. The 33-year-old’s partnership with McCarthy in central midfield was one of the main reasons why Everton were so successful last season.

With his international career all but done, should Barry decide to stay, the Toffees will have in their possession, a combative midfielder whose club career is on the rise again.

#3 Jake Livermore

One look at the loan deals of the season and Jake Livermore’s tenure with Hull stands out amidst a flurry of not-so good deals. At the start of the season, Hull’s capture of Tom Huddlestone (permanently) and Livermore (on loan) from Tottenham looked like it had all the makings of an acute piece of business by Steve Bruce. Hull City’s run to the FA Cup final, coupled with a relatively stable position in the League for much of the campaign were a testament to the duo’s impressive central midfield partnership.

Whether the 24-year-old has a future at Spurs, one thing is for sure; his performances this season for the Tigers might well have sealed a permanent move to the KC Stadium. The Englishman played in all but two League games this season and along with his former Spurs teammate created a solid platform on which the foundations of the Tigers’ season was built on.

Whilst his three goals may not make for great reading, his passing, pressing and overall performances in a landmark season for his club is one of the main reasons why he is in third place in this list.

#2 Romelu Lukaku

After a prolific 17 goal League campaign for the Baggies last season, many predicted that Romelu Lukaku will go back to Chelsea and improve their wafer thin front line. But, Jose Mourinho decided against keeping the 21-year-old Belgian striker and Chelsea’s loss was Everton’s gain. The Toffees secured the signature of the talented Belgian last summer hoping that he would provide the goals to secure a top four place.

Although he managed only 15 goals and slightly faded away towards the end of the season, he still managed to do almost enough to secure Everton that coveted Champions League place. His 15 goals coupled with his six assists were enough to prove Mourinho wrong.

His pace, power and passing ability meant that any ball that came his way, whether on the ground or in the air, was made utmost use of. Irrespective of whether he goes back or goes out on loan for another season, one thing is for sure; his presence is sure to lead to lot chances for his team mates and goals for himself.

#1 Loic Remy

For much of the latter part of the season, Newcastle United were going nowhere and were occupying ninth place in the Premier League table. They never really looked as if they were going to challenge for Europe, nor were they at the risk of relegation at any point of time. Some would argue that they were the worst team in the League since the turn of the year and they wouldn’t be wrong. But, one of the reasons why were in relative mid-table obscurity was the goals of on-loan striker Loic Remy.

The 27-year-old Frenchman led the goal scoring charts for the Magpies with 14 and was second only to Moussa Sissoko in the assists chart. Without the free scoring Frenchman, the Magpies would have struggled to stay in the League. Even with all the hoopla surrounding the club, the Frenchman continued to do what he does best, i.e., put the ball in the back of the net.

If it weren’t for the Frenchman the club would have been near the relegation zone. And that is why Loic Remy, who has scored fewer goals than Lukaku, is the best loan signing of the season.