Potential signing of Saviola all wrong for slow-learning QPR
Published:One-time leader of the forward lines of some of the world’s biggest football names, Javier Saviola could be on his way to the Championship.
QPR are reportedly very keen on securing the pint-sized Argentine’s services in their attempts to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. They’re currently 5/1 favourites to win the Championship, but Saviola’s arrival would likely induce a shortening of that price.
Having spear-headed attacks of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Monaco, as well as his national side, Saviola is a free agent following his release by Malaga upon the expiry of his contract.
A source close to the player is quoted in the press as saying: “Javier’s next move is not about the finances, he wants a footballing challenge and England gives him that.”
While there are plenty more daunting ‘footballing challenges’ out there, the R’s undoubtedly have the resources to finance the 31-year-old with a hefty wage packet and the potential to live in London no-doubt appeals too.
However, QPR have had their fingers burned on more than one occasion when throwing money at players with undoubted quality but the wrong attitude – see Jose Bosingwa and Christopher Samba – and Saviola’s potential signing indicates that they have not learned any lessons from these disappointments.
Nobody foretold such a disastrous campaign when QPR were bringing all kinds of big name players to Loftus Road last term; throwing money and names at problems clearly aren’t the answers.
Another player set to complete a move to the west Londoners is Richard Dunne.
He, in direct contrast to Saviola, is the exact sort of character Harry Redknapp’s men require if they are get out of the Championship at the first time of asking.
His experience and on-pitch leadership are two crucial components ahead of a rigorous season in England’s second tier and the QPR management team must focus on bringing in players of this calibre, not olden-day stars from abroad.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
