Fabio Coentrao to Monaco: Latest Loan Details, Comments and Reaction

Monaco have completed the signing of Fabio Coentrao on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.  

The transfer was confirmed by Real Madrid's official Twitter account on Wednesday. After a spell on the fringes of the Los Blancos squad, Coentrao will be desperate to get some first-team football under his belt in his new French-league setting:

Here’s a look at the kind of qualities the Portuguese will bring to manager Leonardo Jardim's side:

Coentrao arrived at Real Madrid from Benfica in 2011 as one of the most highly rated full-backs on the continent. Since signing, he’s had occasional runs in the team, but most of the time, he has been a deputy for first-choice option Marcelo.

At the age of 27, it’s important Coentrao gets some regular minutes under his belt, and Monaco seems like an ideal club to do so. Jardim's side is packed full of superstar talent, but Coentrao can be expected to slot straight into the first-team setup with Layvin Kurzawa presenting his biggest competition.

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Coentrao seemed like a popular player in the Madrid ranks, and as such, there are plenty who will be disappointed to see him move on. But from a professional standpoint, he’ll be aware that he needs time on the pitch, and with Marcelo still thriving, that was unlikely to happen often in the Spanish capital.

Monaco will be delighted with their acquisition. Coentrao will be hungry to show he can still mix it with the very best and will give the Ligue 1 giants a vibrant edge on the left flank.

The Portuguese’s experience of winning the biggest honours will also be key to a side striving to go far in the Europa League this season after tumbling out of the Champions League play-offs earlier this week.