Manchester United, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle United players feature.
The end of the season means the end of a loan spell, and those who have ventured away from their parent club can reflect on whether their move has been progressive or not.
Even if it just means playing regular football, loan moves can be good. Here are 10 who have been out of sight, not appearing in the Premier League all season, who face uncertain futures.
Mauro Boselli – Wigan
Boselli was signed by Wigan in 2010 from Argentine side Estudiantes. He had a nightmare start, despite a superb reputation which saw him called into the Argentina national squad. He cost £6.5 million but scored just one goal, and has been back on loan at Estudiantes this season, where he has scored 11 times. Undoubtedly a good player, he just never settled, and is unlikely to wear a Wigan shirt again.
Jean Makoun – Aston Villa
Whoever Aston Villa’s next manager is, their priority should be integrating Jean Makoun back into the first team squad. Signed by Gerard Houllier in 2011, he made just seven appearances and Alex McLeish deemed him surplus to requirements. He has been on loan at Greek title winners Olympiakos, playing Champions League football too, and is clearly a big talent. After paying £6 million for him, Villa need to give him another chance to let him show what he can do.
Bebe – Manchester United
From shock signing to dud to loan star, all in 12 months. Bebe’s Manchester United career has been quite eventful to date. He was loaned to Besiktas this season, and got injured before even kicking a ball. He made a small handful of substitute appearances at the end of the season, but after falling foul of his coach’s disciplinary rules, it’s safe to say the Turks won’t be taking up their ‘option-to-buy’. United are unlikely to keep him next season, and he will likely be loaned out again.
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Gael Kakuta – Chelsea
Before Roman Abramovich flashes his chequebook at any more wingers, he should take note at how Gael Kakuta has progressed on loan this season. The youngster with a big reputation has finally looked like fulfilling it at French club Dijon, scoring four times in 12 starts. He has said he wants to come back and fight for a place, but that was before Marin and Hazard signed. Still 20, another loan spell may do him good as regular football will be difficult to come by next season.
Roque Santa Cruz – Manchester City
It is remarkable to think that Roque Santa Cruz is still a Manchester City striker; his last game for the club was in 2010. The 30-year-old cost the club £17.5 million, but has spent this season on loan at Real Betis. He has scored seven goals in 33 appearances, and while his future is unclear, it is unlikely to be at City, despite having one year remaining on his current contract. Another loan could be likely, unless City can agree terms to release him as a free agent.
Dani Pacheco – Liverpool
Hailed as Liverpool’s next big thing, Dani Pacheco was unlucky his progression was stunted by managerial changes at Anfield. Now the club are looking at their fourth in as many seasons, he may hope for one last chance. He has been on loan with Rayo Vallecano, but has struggled with injuries and form, and this season has not wielded much to report. He would be welcome back on loan at Norwich, who he helped gain promotion over 12 months ago.
Xisco – Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s forgotten man, Spaniard Xisco has been a poor piece of business for the side, signed for £5.7 million in 2008. He has made just nine appearances for the club. This year he has been on loan at Deportivo, now in Spain’s second division, where he has featured 13 times as a substitute, scoring twice – in his last two matches. A strong end to the season may help the club decide to take a gamble on him, Newcastle will hope so.
Denilson – Arsenal
Arsenal loaned out midfielder Denilson after failing to find a buyer last summer; he had made just a handful of starts in 2010-11. At Sao Paolo he has had a mixed time of it, steady without being inspirational. Arsenal fans are far from enthused about him rejoining the club, and he will find it even more difficult to force his way into the first team now. A summer sale is the best for both parties, if the Gunners can find a taker for him.
Vladimir Weiss – Manchester City
Slovakian international was once tipped as City’s next big thing, but has become a forgotten man at the Etihad. He has been loaned to Bolton, Rangers, and most recently Espanyol, where he has played 29 times scoring three goals. Only 22, he has bags of potential, but the standard at City now is so high that making the leap will be more difficult than ever. He said this month he is unsure what his future holds, while Espanyol are said to be keen to sign him permanently.
Joseph Yobo – Everton
Remarkably Joseph Yobo is still an Everton player despite not playing for the club since 2010. He has spent two seasons on loan with Turkish side Fenerbahce, and now 31 it would be a surprise if he pulls on an Everton shirt again, even though his contract does not expire until 2014. He has played 45 times this season for the club, and Everton will hope to move him on permanently and get some much needed transfer money for him.
Which of these players do you think will still be playing Premier League football next season?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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