Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott made surprise returns to their former clubs on loan during the Premier League transfer window.

Bale completed a switch to Tottenham from Real Madrid last month, seven years after he left Spurs, while Walcott, who started out at Southampton before he departed in 2006, is back with the south coast outfit.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some other players who have made the move back to their old stomping ground in the Premier League.

Andy Carroll (Newcastle)

Andy Carroll has failed to score in 26 appearances since he returned to Newcastle
Andy Carroll has failed to score in 26 appearances since he returned to Newcastle (Alex Pantling/PA)

Wayne Rooney (Everton)

After he departed Goodison Park as a superstar teenager in 2004, Rooney was back 13 years later having achieved virtually all he could in the game with Manchester United and England. It was a mixed spell with his boyhood team. A hat-trick against West Ham was a high, but he moved on following a solitary season despite hitting double figures.

David Luiz (Chelsea)

View this post on Instagram

Today is the day when I must thank all the people who were part of my story with @chelseafc !!! These were brilliant years where I always tried to do my best all the time!!! I thank the fans and all the coaches I had during the seven years I represented the club. I thank the medical and technical staff, the kitchen staff, friends who take care of the pitch, my friends from security… LITERALLY everybody! With each one I had a story and built a true friendship!!! I wish a very good luck to this great club!!! I carry all of you in my heart!!! God bless you so much! ?? #Thankyou. Hoje chegou o dia em que devo agradecer a todas as pessoas que fizeram parte dessa minha história com o @chelseafc !!! Foram anos brilhantes onde sempre tentei dar o meu melhor em todos os momentos!!! Agradeço aos fãs, agradeço a todos os treinadores que tive durante os sete anos que passei no clube, agradeço ao staff médico, técnico, pessoal da cozinha, amigos que cuidam do gramado, meus amigos seguranças… LITERALMENTE todos os funcionários, porquê com cada um tive uma história e construí uma amizade verdadeira!!! Desejo boa sorte a este grande clube!!! Levo no coração todos vocês!!! Deus abençoe muito! ?? #obrigado

A post shared by David Luiz (@davidluiz_4) on

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Paul Pogba has endured an up and down time at Old Trafford after he made the switch back to England in 2016
Paul Pogba has endured an up-and-down time at Old Trafford after he made the switch back to England in 2016 (Alex Livesey/PA)

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

The winger made a permanent return to Selhurst Park in February 2015 after a loan spell from Manchester United. Despite constant speculation over his future, the Crystal Palace ace has been a key figure in the Eagles’ fight against relegation in recent seasons and recently made his 350th appearance for the club.

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Thierry Henry grabs a goal on his second Arsenal debut against Leeds in trademark style
Thierry Henry grabbed a goal on his second Arsenal debut against Leeds in trademark style (Nick Potts/PA)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *