Never fall in love with a loan player, Girona feel both sides today | OneFootball

As reported by as.com, since Míchel Sánchez arrived in 20-21 Girona have taken 27 loanees, many relaunching careers and winning fans, challenging football’s old warning to never fall for a loan player.

Today at Montilivi underlines both sides. Vítor Reis, borrowed from Manchester City, is suspended. He is advancing quickly, Pep Guardiola has him noted for next season and Carlo Ancelotti has him on his World Cup radar. Hugo Rincón, on loan from Athletic and free to play, has stepped up after Mirandés.

Few read and lift loanees like Míchel. This season Lemar, borrowed from Atlético, is another success, with positive reports at the Madrid club and satisfaction with Girona’s work.

The pattern recalls Baena, Yan Couto, Riquelme, Savinho and Eric García, now at Atlético, Borussia Dortmund, Betis, Manchester City and Barça respectively.

Iván Martín broke the rule. Loaned from Villarreal in 2021-22, he earned a permanent deal. Athletic once flirted, given his Bilbao roots, but for now his allegiance is Girona.

For Athletic, Iñaki Williams, 31, reaches 500 official games today, joining greats including Iribar, De Marcos, Muniain, Rojo, Etxeberria, Iraola and Susaeta. Ernesto Valverde will name a near full-strength side, still without Nico Williams. Rego is banned for cards and Yeray by UEFA, while Unai Gómez, Paredes, Prados and Nico are out, with Sannadi and Egiluz nearing returns after knee injuries.

Source: as.com