Big win for Harry Redknapp and Queens Park Rangers as they Qhave signed striker Loic Remy from Marseille for a club record £8m fee.
The 26-year-old striker, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal, was expected to join Newcastle United, but Redknapp convinced him to move to the Premier League’s bottom club. with
“I’m delighted to bring him in – he’s a great buy for us. He’s got the potential to be a really outstanding striker” Redknapp told the club website:
“I didn’t think we’d get him to be honest but Tony Fernandes worked ever so hard on this.
“He wouldn’t give up on it and it’s great that we now have him here with us.
“He’s always been a player I’ve admired. I’ve watched him on so many occasions throughout the last few years.
“I actually spent three or four hours with him last year so he knew what I thought of him, and I think that was important.
“He’s quick, can score goals and makes great runs. His movement is excellent. He’s got the potential to be a really outstanding striker.”
Remy, who has scored three goals in 19 appearances for Marseille this season, said:
“Harry played a big part in me coming here.
“I spoke to him and Tony Fernandes at length and they made it clear they wanted me here. They gave me the right motivation to join QPR.
“I want to develop my game here. This season the objective is to stay up but beyond that we have greater objectives.
“After seven years in France, this is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge in the Premier League – the best league in the world.
“I am confident I can adapt to the Premier League. My main characteristics have taken me to the level I am at today but I am keen to keep improving in the Premier League.”
With only 17 goals this season, tied with Villa for worst in the Premier League, QPR had a glaring need for a top striker. The multi mullion dollar question is whether Remy is that? QPR needs Remy to hit the ground running and start to score goals immediately if they are to avoid the drop.
The challenge will be that it usually takes foreign striker half a season or more to find their feet in the Premier League, and Rangers don’t have that kind of time. Which is why I am a little surprised that Redknapp has not brought someone with a proven Premier League goalscoring record like Darren Bent from Aston Villa.
