On Thursday we looked at some of the worst loan signings made by Leeds United since the turn of the century with the continued controversy over Jean-Kevin Augustin’s loan move which could potentially turn permanent for £20million.
But what about those players who shone on loan? The gems in amongst the grit fans have suffered over the 15 or more years. There may not have been as many memorbale players for the right reason, but those who were left their mark and made a lasting impression.
Scroll down and click through to check out 12 of the best players to have a loan spell at Elland Road.
1. Robbie Keane - December, 2000
What an impact he had when he joined all those years ago. The celebration, the craft His loan spell was his most fruitful for the club before joining permanently from Inter Milan. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
2. Rob Hulse - February, 2005
His six goals were worth eight points for the club. His impact was positive, even if the club dropped from 10th to 14th after he arrived. Photo: Gary M. Prior
3. Jonathan Douglas - August 2005, Blackburn Rovers
The midfielder is unlikely to get in too many Leeds United XIs but what he proved to be was a dependable midfielder even if he was part of the squad which dropped into League One. He stayed and tried his best to be part of a promoted team. Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. Casper Ankergren - January 2007, Brondby
The goalkeeper brought some relief to the Leeds United fans after some goalkeeping issues and performed plenty of heroics in the season which saw the club relegated from the Championship. But would continue to impress in League One and was firmly a fans’ favourite. And, of course, there was that clean sheet against Manchester United. Photo: Pete Norton
5. Dougie Freedman - March 2008, Crystal Palace
A bona fide cult hero. Arrived on for a short spell at the club and produced a number of big moments to help Leeds reach the League One play-off final. His goals secured a play-off place then he produced moments of excellence against Carlisle United in the semi-final. Photo: Clive Rose
6. Max Gradel - October 2009, Leicester City
The exciting Ivory Coast international made an instant impact at the club and won over the fans straight away. Played a role in promotion from League One before an excellent first season back in the Championship. Still has that affiliation with the club, recently tweeting about the club’s promotion. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos