"I'd be all for it" - QPR backed to beat Rangers to Burnley FC transfer agreement | OneFootball

The R's are reportedly interested in Hjalmar Ekdal after a difficult spell at Burnley.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Queens Park Rangers have recovered from a very poor start to the season to make up solid ground in the battle for survival in the Championship, and Marti Cifuentes' side will be gearing up for the run-in and a surprise push for the top six.

The R's are now 13th in the table, just eight points behind West Bromwich Albion, who occupy the final play-off position.

The last couple of months have been a far cry from the opening weeks of the campaign, and what had once looked a season of disappointment and perhaps disaster, is now an extremely promising one for the West London club.

QPR have already started their January transfer window well, bringing in Ronnie Edwards from Southampton on loan for the rest of 2024/25, and they are looking to make it a double centre-back delight this month by signing Burnley's Hjalmar Ekdal.

Verdict made on QPR's Ekdal interest

According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Ekdal is on the radar of the R's, but they face a battle for him, with Stoke City and Rangers also showing an interest. Italian sides Empoli and Sampdoria are also reportedly tracking the Clarets defender, who has struggled for minutes at Turf Moor.

Injury issues have made the 26-year-old surplus to requirements in Lancashire, and Scott Parker is looking to free up some space in his squad to add more quality for his side's promotion push.

However, one club's loss will be another's gain, and the Hoops will be hoping that Ekdal can help give even more cover at the back as they start to look towards the play-offs.

Football League World has asked their QPR Fan Pundit, Louis Moir, if he believes loaning the Swedish defender would be right for the team.

He told FLW: "I think it may surprise a few people that we're being linked to yet another centre-half, considering we've just loaned in Ronnie Edwards, but I can potentially see the reason as to why we may actually sign another one.

"Steve Cook is out for a while, Liam Morrison has got a bad injury and maybe, probably more so Morrison, the club have realised that their injuries are going to be even worse than they first imagined, hence the rumour with another centre-back.

"We've got Jake Clarke-Salter and Morgan Fox who are suspect to injuries as well, and I think maybe the club doesn’t want to risk going through the rest of the season with just them. Obviously, we’ve got Jimmy Dunne, but then he's better right back and then Edwards has just come in. So, I totally get it."

Louis continued: "Obviously, I don't really know much about Hjalmar Ekdal, but he is another player that has actually played for Marti Cifuentes’ former club Hammarby, although I don't think he played in many games, but it seems as though the manager knows him.

"He looks to be a decent player. Burnley have signed some good players within the last few years, and they spent a few million on him, so I'd be all for it. It would probably be a loan, but with the back line still looking in need of some sort of help, I think another centre-back wouldn't be a bad bit of business.

"He's got a bit of experience as well playing in the Premier League, so I'd be all for it."

Ekdal's injury problems will be a concern

While Cifuentes does seem keen on bringing in more players to strengthen his team defensively, Ekdal's injury record should be a warning to him.

The centre-back has not featured in the Championship so far this season, and his last appearance in a league game came against Newcastle United in May 2024.

He did feature in the FA Cup for his side at the weekend, playing throughout the second half and extra-time as Burnley ran out 3-1 winners away to Reading. However, it is clear that Parker is looking to move Ekdal on.

The arrival of Edwards does mean that the Swedish defender will not be too high up in the pecking order, but for QPR it's incredibly important that they continue to improve their team throughout January.