QPR manager Mark Warburton says adding an experienced centre back to his squad is a key priority for him over the course of the summer transfer window.
Rangers made their first signing of the window on Monday with the arrival of winger George Thomas on a three-year deal following his departure from Leicester City.
Now it seems as though Warburton’s attentions are turning towards strengthening his side at the other end of the pitch, after young defenders such as Conor Masterson were called on to step up for the senior side at times this season.
Asked whether an experienced central defender is a key requirement for Rangers this summer, Warburton told West London Sport: “Yes, it would be, and I’m saying it because young guys have had to step up like young Conor, who at the start of the season I felt needed to go out on loan.”
Is this the right transfer priority for Warburton to take?YesNo |
Explaining the importance of having some experience at the heart of the defence, Warburton continued: “You need to learn the ugly side of football, the demand for points and so on.
“He stepped up against Leeds, Swansea and Brentford and will be hoping to keep his shirt. I’ve never got a problem with that. There’s also young Joe Gubbins. But we need some physicality and some experience as well.”
This does seem to be a sensible approach for Warburton to take.
The recent departure of Grant Hall has only served to deprive the club of more experience in their defence recently.
Indeed, with QPR shipping goals with alarming regularity at times this season, strengthening their defence does seem vital to any hopes they have of pushing forward next year, particularly with the transfer speculation there is around a number of their key attackers.
With that in mind, it is encouraging to see that Warburton is already of, and keen to rectify, that issue, and it will be interesting to see just who QPR are able to bring in to fill that role in their side.
