Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of ex-Union Berlin defender Toni Leistner after Championship rivals Aston Villla allegedly missed out.
With Aston Villa bidding farewell to both John Terry and Chris Samba, and lacking the funds to bring in replacements, missing out on a free agent centre-back to a Championship rival undoubtedly counts as a big blow.
Queens Park Rangers announced the signing of Toni Leistner on a free from German second tier side Union Berlin on Sunday. The 27-year-old has moved to Loftus Road on a three-year deal and could be a fine addition to Steve McClaren’s side, particularly as they did not need to spend a penny to bring him in.
But while QPR will be very pleased with their new arrival, Aston Villa’s frustrating summer has just got all the more difficult.
Strong in the air and an old-school centre-back by trade, Leistner could have been the physical, commanding presence Villa manager Steve Bruce needs in defence, after seeing the experienced duo of Terry and Samba leave in the aftermath of the play-off final defeat to Fulham that plunged the club into a massive financial mess.
Instead, however, Leistner will be plying his trade with QPR instead next season.
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