I don't think the Beerschotts (sp?) loan did do him much good. Wasn't it all to do with getting a work permit back in the day? A loan to the EFL to toughen him up a bit, or a loan to the Eredivisie, Ligue 1 or Serie A would be a different gravy!
That's not really the point. The (unanswered) question is, why is there any benefit in waiting until his (hypothetical) loan is arranged before announcing the signing? :-Look forward for your answer....................