5 most bizarre January loan signings in Premier League history

#3 Alexandre Pato (Chelsea)

Norwich City v Chelsea - Premier League

The 2015-16 season was a peculiar one for Chelsea. The Blues came into the campaign as league champions with several pundits earmarking them as favorites to retain the title. However, just a few months in, the London side was dangling close to the relegation zone, struggling to win matches.

Poor performances by players, Jose Mourinho's sacking, and below-par signings all contributed towards the disastrous campaign, with Chelsea eventually finishing tenth in the table.

Among those to arrive at the club that season was former AC Milan wonderkid Alexandre Pato. Several injuries had derailed the career of the Brazil striker, who had once laid claim to the Golden Boy award. Nevertheless, after somewhat reviving his flailing career in Brazil, the forward was handed another shot in Europe by Chelsea.

The Blues were desperate for goals when Pato arrived at Stamford Bridge on loan. First-choice striker Diego Costa had suffered from injuries and loss of form, while summer loan signing Radamel Falcao had proven to be a failure. In the midst of the Chelsea crisis, Pato gave fans some hope after he scored on his debut. However, a disappointing performance in his very next match saw him drop out of the team and never return to the starting eleven.

Chelsea decided against renewing Pato's loan at the end of the season, as the Brazilian returned to his homeland with just two appearances and one goal.