Over the years, loan signings have massively influenced West Ham’s success. As we approach the start of the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season, I will review my personal 5 favourite West Ham loan signings of all time.
Carl Jenkinson – 2014/15
Carl Jenkinson is a promising English right back who enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Upton Park. Jenkinson was highly influential in a successful campaign for West Ham, especially the excellent start to the season. The young Englishman was able to give pace and crossing ability, but also, strength and consistency in defense. Due to his many desirable traits he was quickly able to establish himself as the team’s first choice right back and an integral member of the back four. This loan spell led to the club hoping to sign Jenkinson again, and successfully agreeing another loan move for the Arsenal man for the upcoming season.
Victor Obinna – 2010/11
West Ham signed Victor Obinna on a loan deal from Inter Milan during the 2010 transfer market. The Nigerian winger had a strong impact on many games, in a disappointing season for the club. Obinna struggled at the start of the season, similarly to West Ham, but form gradually improved as his confidence grew. Highlights from his time on loan include, scoring a hat-trick in the FA cup and a goal considered one of the best of the season versus Blackpool. Overall Obinna was a good player to have at the club, due to giving a new dynamic to the side.
Alex Song – 2014/15
The 2014/15 season was a successful one for West Ham United, achieving a 12th place finish, and gaining a place in the Europa League, through a fair play route. Song had a great season and was one of the best in the team, playing a role in the midfield, spreading the play and anchoring the team. With excellent passing and a great ability to the read the game, Song added a touch of class to the team, of which helped West Ham in a strong season.
Henri Lansbury – 2011/12
Henri Lansbury was signed by Sam Allardyce in the 2011/12 season, as a replacement for Scott Parker, who had just departed for Tottenham. Lansbury played a defensive midfield role, after choosing to leave Arsenal in a hope for consistent first team football. Although Lansbury struggled for some part of the season with a knee injury, he enjoyed a successful loan spell. Lansbury even featured in-goal versus Blackpool, following Robert Green seeing a red card. There was delight for the fans as Lansbury didn’t concede and the Hammers won 4-1.
Yossi Benayoun – 2012/13
Yossi, a fan favourite, rejoined the hammers in 2012 from Chelsea on a season long loan. Benayoun had a very successful first spell with West Ham before leaving to play for Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Israeli struggled on his return to Upton Park and wasn’t as successful as in his first spell. However West Ham fans were still happy to see Yossi back in East London. Benayoun was able to bring some flair from the bench and was an impact substitute. At the end of the loan spell, Allardyce said if the attacking midfielder was able to have more of a contribution to the team he would have loved to have continued the loan spell, but instead sent the player back to Chelsea.
