On 3rd November 2014, Charlton Athletic brought Francis Coquelin to The Valley on a temporary deal.
The then-Arsenal midfielder originally joined the Addicks on a one-month loan deal, which was subsequently extended for another month, however, the Gunners had their own injury concerns and recalled him in early December.
The French midfielder had been highly touted in the early stages of his career in north London, however, things did not quite work out as well as those at the club would have hoped for and saw him go on a couple of loan deals elsewhere.
These Charlton fans were excited about his arrival with some believing that it would have been a great addition to the team in the Championship, with one being ‘well impressed’.
Here are some of those reactions to that deal in 2014…
From my time of going to arsenal coquelin is a good signing for us defo needed cover in the center of midfield too #cafc
— Benji Cloke (@Benjicafc) 3 November 2014
Coquelin, well impressed with this bit of business……however I said that when we signed Frimpong who was more stench than DENCH #cafc
— steven mummery (@Steven_at_24) November 3, 2014
https://twitter.com/MarkRitson_TM/status/529278818947956736
Coquelin is a very tidy signing #cafc
— Alex Rogans (@RogDog_CAFC) November 3, 2014
Welcome Francis Coquelin #cafc
— Matt (@MattJarvisCAFC) November 3, 2014
CM was an area that needed cover, but surely he is too good to be on loan for cover? #cafc #Coquelin
— Greg Stubley (@GregStubley_) November 3, 2014
However, Charlton fans never really got to see Coquelin in action for their side and the deal just turned out to be as strange as many had felt in the first place.
The midfielder would play just five games for the Addicks in the Championship as that is all he had an opportunity to do so before being recalled back to Arsenal.
You would forgive a number of Charlton fans if they had forgotten that the had him on their books at The Valley for such a brief period of time.
Things have certainly changed for Coquelin since that short spell in south London though, as he completed a move to Valencia last January and has gone on to feature heavily for Marcelino’s side this season.
Charlton fans – thoughts?
