QPR Transfer Targets - The Lowdown
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Article by e-QPR's Alex RugmanClick here to follow e-QPR on Twitter!
In this article, my first for E-Football, I will talk about where I believe QPR need to improve on the pitch this summer, and will identify some possible targets.
On the 23rd of May, QPR were promoted in dramatic style, and after having a good few weeks to recover, it is now time to debate and discuss what comes next.
Harry Redknapp is known for his actions during the transfer windows; his tendency to buy players minutes before the deadline is exciting for the neutral and downright stressful for us R's fans! But just who will or won't Harry buy? Well, Redknapp is known to like players he has worked with before (hence the "Are you Tottenham in disguise" chants earlier this season). He also prefers experience over youth. As a strong advocate of giving youth players a chance I find Redknapp's attitude very frustrating, and I fear Harry won't change his ways this season. I would anticipate players such as Joe Cole coming in; although Harry has ruled us out of the running for Lampard and Ferdinand (phew!). The problem with this type of player is that usually they are old and demand huge wages - we don't want a repeat of 2012/13... In essence Rangers have got a great team spirit at the moment, and I for one am loathe to see that change, however some new individuals to help strengthen the squad, and help QPR adapt to life back in the Premier League would not go unwanted.
QPR need a new centre back. Although we have some solid defenders in Richard Dunne, Clint Hill and Nedum Onuoha, Hill and Dunne are growing old and slow, and I suspect they may not be able to keep up with the pace of the Premier League. I would suggest raiding the relegated clubs for a replacement; Steven Caulker seems and ideal signing; (he has worked with Redknapp before) and another option may be Hangeland (although I fear he may demand exorbitant wages). For me, Caulker is a perfect fit along side the excellent Onuoha, and although Hill has been heroic this season I believe it is time for him to move on or retire. Dunne would be a great backup and I believe his superior performances during the previous campaign show he is a decent spare centre back.
Although many Rangers fans have argued that a new left back is needed I think we should give Yun Suk-Young a chance- he performed admirably this season and deserves a chance to start. He has good pace and is an excellent passer of the ball. Particularly his bombing runs down the flanks vs Middlesborough convinced me he is up to the challenge. If Redknapp feels otherwise then Traore is always available, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto could be brought in permanently.
In the midfield I think that QPR are strong: Barton and O'Neil (the latter is set to sign a new contract) provide solid passing from the centre of the field and O'Neil has shown his defensive qualities this season. Faurlin will also be returning, and he has proved solid previously. I would love to see us sign Gary Medel from Cardiff - a strong, defensive midfielder who has provided commanding displays in the past. He may also be available from the relegated club on the cheap, and his nickname alone -The Pitbull- is enough to convince me we should sign him up! We also need a backup winger for Hoilett and Phillips; I put to you Andros Townsend as an ideal candidate - and intelligent and pacey young attacker who Redknapp is familiar with. He is available for £8m, and we have reportedly made a double swoop for him and Dawson (not so sure about him). Despite my previous objections I suppose Joe Cole could be useful as a backup midfielder, and he is a typical 'Harry Redknapp' player.
The main man I would love to see sign for us this summer is, of course, Ravel Morrison. He is something of a midfield virtuoso, and although he has his off days he is the kind of exciting and precocious young talent I'd love to see at the club. He had a very successful loan last season, and since he seems to have fallen out with Sam Allardyce surely QPR would be his ideal destination this summer? Apparently QPR have yet to express any interest in him however, and Swansea are reportedly lining up a £5m bid. I really hope Harry takes the risk and signs him - I can't wait to see the player that he will become.
a new striker. With Zamora's contract set to expire this summer, we need someone to relieve Charlie Austin of all the goal scoring duties. A move for Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has been
mooted, and his impressive record (15 goals in 25 internationals) and attractive looking £6m price tag makes him a good prospect. I don't think we should sign Doyle permanently - he was a good loan signing but not up to the challenge of the Premier League. However a new striker should not overshadow Austin, so maybe Redknapp will operate with 2 up front next season.
Who do you think QPR should sign? Let me know in the comments, or via twitter @e_qpr.
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Very good analysis of the defence, the only disagreement I'd have is regarding Assou-Ekotto, who looked very disinterested at times in our promotion season!
ReplyDeleteI agree, mostly about the midfield too, and Townsend would be an excellent signing, with Phillips returning from injury as well.
Certainly, we need an extra striker, though I think Zamora should get another year, if only to sit on the bench as a super-sub, and he deserves it for his part on the 24th, not only for an immaculately taken goal in the 90th minute, though, but he made important contributions coming onto the pitch in quite a few of the last few matches of the season. So, I'd suggest holding onto Zamora (who'll accept not too much wage-wise, I'd imagine, and likely accept a match-related wage on top of a low basic wage), and also another quality new signing up front is necessary, if we don't hold onto Remy.
Overall, last season, our defence looked positively scared every time quick opposition players got in amongst them, consequently, our midfield looked poor for many matches when going forward. Sort out that defence and, together with Faurlin, hopefully Morrison too in an attacking role when just 1 up front, we have an exciting midfield.
Good analysis Alex B-)
I'm dubious about Assou-Ekotto as he is short in height, and will be found wanting in the premier league. We should give youth a chance as well, our average age of team to high. These older players with experience are also more injury prone such as Joe Cole, we need pacey players in to deal with the pace of the premier league players as some who are here are slow, as said in article. Interesting to see who comes in, and who goes out. Brian, QPR supporter since 1965.
ReplyDeleteFor heaven sake why bring in the old guard, Ferdinand, Barry, Lampard, Hangerland, Sidwell, all over the hill, big money earners, that will not have enough energy to keep us up and out of the struggle. we need new, fresh, young blood. At the back, Williams of Swansea, Steven Caulker, who Harry knows, would be ideal alongside The Chief Nedhum. Yes Clint Hill had a great season alongside Dunnie, but both will be found out by pace and we can't afford to be that exposed at the back again, So Yun Suk-Young needs to be given an opportunity to shine. Gary Medel isn't called the Pitbull for nothing at Cardiff. Ravel Morrison is a gem and was sensational. Ale Faurlin, Matt Phillips, and Hoilett give us guile and width. Townsend would gives us flair, Joey gives us guts and strength, love him, or hate him he gives his all. Simmo is a good right back. Granero is a good fit and I think will be another great assest. Tarrabts can go. Remy is gone to Arsenal as mooted all over the place. Shame as him and Charlie would be amazing. Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Lyon striker French striker Bafetimbi Gomis are being talked about in a big way, so let's wait and see. Exciting times ahead, if we play our cards correctly. The board and Harry have to do great business, not extravagant and big spending, or we will end up again with problems we can do without. Great are the Brave. Supporter since 1969.
ReplyDeleteI dont think ferdinand would be a good signing id rather give the young lads we have a go .hangerland may be ok but not sure I think we need a good striker say rhodes or McCormack one of them with charlie would be great .whatever I have a good feeling aboat this season .bring it on. Been a hoop for 40years
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