QPR sign 'quality' free agent once hailed as 'prodigy' of Man Utd superstar

QPR have confirmed the signing of midfielder Lucas Andersen on a permanent deal after the 29-year-old left Danish side AaB Aalborg.

The attacking midfielder reunites with manager Marti Cifuentes, who he played under at AaB between 2021 and 2022, and makes the move to English football for the first time in his career. Andersen has previously represented Ajax and Grasshoppers, as well as the Danish national team.

The player's contract at former club AaB was terminated on a mutual agreement on Friday ahead of the QPR switch as the Championship strugglers continue to show survival fight after a busy January and vital three points at Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

Speaking to the club, Andersen said: “I am so excited. This is a big opportunity, and I am really grateful and proud to represent the club and play in a historical stadium.

“In Denmark, English football is very popular. You hear a lot about the Premier League and the Championship so I am really looking forward to it. This is another dream come true for me. I will do everything to achieve what is possible.

“It will be amazing to join him [Cifuentes] again. I know his playing style, and I know he knows my abilities, so it is a good start.”

Andersen came through the academy in Denmark at AaB before securing a move to Ajax in 2012 at the tender age of 17 years old. The midfielder started in the Dutch club's youth teams before breaking into the senior side.

At that stage of his career, the young Dane was hailed as a 'great talent' by Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars and touted to be a 'prodigy' set to follow in the footsteps of Christian Eriksen. The Manchester United star had just broken through at Ajax when Andersen arrived. Eriksen eventually moved to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and went on to reach the Champions League final before a move to Old Trafford.

QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “After our work last week, this is a very pleasing piece of business and I am delighted we have been able to find a solution to bring Lucas in.

“He performed above the median as a line-breaking 10 specifically for our possession-based 4-3-3 conceptual shape in data screening and was crucially, given our situation managing profitability and sustainability regulations, available on a free transfer owing to his former club’s relegation.

“The fact he has worked with Martí before – and given the fact there are just three months remaining of the season and the context that we are in – is a hugely significant bonus. Everyone at the club will support them in their quest to create more special moments together.”