With Dominic Solanke set to make the loan move to Palace and provide much needed reinforcement to a misfiring front line, Skippy Windsor looks back at the previous loans since Palace’s return to the Premier League.
Season 13/14
Cameron Jerome – Signed by Ian Holloway from Stoke, Jerome failed to make an immediate impact as a strike force of Gayle and Chamakh was preferred. However, his assist in Palace’s first away win at Hull under Keith Millen showed fans his strength and pace and with the arrival of Tony Pulis, Jerome become a constant fixture in the starting XI. Despite only scoring two goals, his work rate and ability to occupy defenders earned him respect amongst the Palace faithful. Verdict – Hit.
Jason Puncheon – Holloway’s other loan signing arrived from South London, already well known to Palace fans for his exploits for Millwall. After struggling to nail down a starting place under Holloway, Puncheon was another beneficiary of the arrival of Pulis, flourishing on the right win and scoring important goals as Palace chased survival. His loan spell was cut short, to the benefit of Palace who were able to secure his permanent signature, allowing Puncheon to become one of the most important players in recent history. Verdict – Hit.
Tom Ince – Ince arrived in the January transfer window after apparent interest from European Giants, costing FYP thousands in £50 donations, as one of the highest rated youngsters in English football. His impact was immediate, scoring on debut against West Brom and embracing Pete the Eagle in celebration. However that was to be the last of his real contribution in a Palace shirt, as the wing combination of Puncheon and Bolasie become a Pulis favourite and Ince was limited to only eight appearances. Verdict – Miss.
Season 14/15
Kevin Doyle – In one of the stranger moves in Premier League, Neil Warnock allowed Glenn Murray to go out on loan and brought in Kevin Doyle on loan from Championship Wolves. Doyle made three substitute appearances in the league, failing to score in any of them. His last appearance was in the FA Cup in Pardew’s first game as manager, as he ended his illustrious time at Palace with a goal against non-league Dover. Verdict - Miss
Wilfried Zaha – Having failed to make an impact after leaving the club, Zaha returned on loan from Manchester United, marking his comeback with a last minute equaliser away to Newcastle. Despite failing to be a regular fixture under Warnock, he flourished in the second half of the season under Pardew. Palace made his signature permanent once more, with Wilf going on to be one of the best players ever to adorn the Red and Blue, winning multiple Player of the Year awards since his return. Verdict – Hit.
Yaya Sanogo – French Striker Sanogo arrived from Arsenal in the January window following the appointment of Pardew, along with Ameobi, Chung-Yong Lee and Mutch to name a few (What a window that was!) A tall, gangly striker who lacked real Premier League quality, his only goal came away to Southampton in the FA Cup with Murray, Gayle and Chamakh viewed as better options to lead the line. Arguably his greatest contribution was inspiration to one of JD’s football songs! Verdict – Miss.
Season 15/16
Patrick Bamford – Highly rated striker Bamford arrived after scoring 19 goals for Middlesbrough the year before, in a window that saw the departure of Glenn Murray and Dwight Gayle. Despite an impressive pre-season, Bamford is best remembered for spending more time fixing his hair than making a meaningful contribution on the pitch. He opted to terminate the loan himself, citing a lack of first-team chances, and no one in Selhurst was too upset at the decision having failed to score a single goal in his loan spell. Verdict – Miss.
Season 16/17
Loic Remy – Remy joined on loan and on paper, looked to form a deadly partnership with the newly arrived Christian Benteke. However, straight after arriving, he suffered a knee injury and wasn’t to be seen until the 3rd round of the FA Cup, where he made his debut in a 0-0 draw at Bolton. Failure to remain fit, an alleged clash with Allardyce and Benteke hitting late season form meant that Remy was limited to a handful of minutes, failing to make any positive impact at all on Palace’s quest for survival. Verdict – Miss.
Mamadou Sakho – Signed on loan from Liverpool on deadline day in the January Window, Sakho took a few weeks to get up to match fitness after hardly featuring for his parent club. He made his debut in the home win vs fellow strugglers Middlesbrough and formed a defensive partnership with James Tomkins that saw Palace claw themselves away from the relegation zone. He brought about calmness and talent the backline clearly lacked, notably starring in the away win against Chelsea. His performances earned him great respect from the Palace faithful and led to a permanent summer move the window after. Verdict – Hit.
Season 17/18
Erdal Rakip- Who?
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – Signed by De Boer as the right sided CB for his three at the back system, Fosu-Mensah covered multiple defensive injury crisis by playing both RB and CB for the Eagles. Pacey, if somewhat naïve, Fosu-Mensah had his best game matching up against Leroy Sane and nullifying arguably the most potent attack in the league. The emergence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka limited Fosu-Mensah in the back end of the season, but his loan spell was arguably mutually beneficial for both parties. Verdict - Hit
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Highly rated midfielder Loftus-Cheek joined from Chelsea, providing both finesse and power in midfield. Operating centrally and as a wide-midfielder under Hodgson, Loftus-Cheek brought about class and talent to a team that struggled early on in the season. Capable of scoring vital goals, including in the home wins vs Leicester and Stoke, Loftus-Cheek’s performance at Palace earned him international recognition and a well-deserved World Cup call-up, in which he continued to shine on the biggest stage. Verdict - Hit
Season 18/19
Jordan Ayew – Signed from Swansea and capable of covering either a wing or striking position, Ayew was brought in to provide cover and competition. With injury to Benteke, he has been asked to play centrally for much of his spell, with limited impact so far. It remains to be seen whether he will see out his loan spell and whether his fortunes can change in the Red and Blue.