Experienced Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick is set to move to Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope on Twitter, 30-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick is set to move to Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the final hours of the January transfer window.
The Irish international has been with the Magpies since 2020 when he completed a move from fellow Premier League side Burnley. Hendrick has since made 27 appearances for the club, scoring thrice and assisting once.
This season, the Magpies star has made just four appearances and does not appear to be in the club’s plans moving forward. With opportunities difficult to come by at St. James Park, it makes sense for him to seek his fortunes elsewhere. As things stand, it remains to be seen if the move to QPR will be a permanent one or if it is a loan arrangement.
QPR are currently in the fourth spot in the Engish second tier and have a real shot at gaining promotion to the Premier League this season. Bringing in a proven top-flight talent like Hendrick is sure to aid their cause. The Switch to Loftus Road could also be what the Irishman needs to rekindle his career.
Newcastle’s deep pockets have raised expectations at St. James Park, but the club still has a relegation battle to overcome. This has seen them splash the cash this month, bringing in several players. The standout signing was undoubtedly Bruno Guimaraes, a Brazilian international whose capture is nothing short of a coup for the Magpies.
The Selecao star is another player who thrives in the middle of the park, further negating the need for Newcastle to keep hold of Hendrick. While the Irishman is certainly a nifty player, he pales in comparison to his South American counterpart.
Hendrick has made 147 appearances in the English top-flight and is a seasoned professional with years of experience. A physical presence in the middle of the park, he is somewhat let down by his lack of technical skills. This should not be much of an issue given the largely combative nature seen in the lower tiers of English football.
One can argue that the 30-year-old will be better suited to the hustle and bustle of the Championship. There is every reason to believe that a move to Loftus Road would be beneficial for both parties. Whether Hendrick will go on to play a key role in helping QPR make a long-awaited return to the Premier League remains to be seen.
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