Alan Nixon has told his Patreon channel that QPR manager Neil Critchley wants to raid old club Liverpool and sign Leighton Clarkson this month – who is currently starring for Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen on loan this season.
Clarkson, 21, is a talent. A player that has three senior appearances for the Reds, but struggled on loan at Blackburn during the first half of the 21-22 season. Able to play as a holding midfielder of as a no.10 he is currently in Scotland.
This season, Clarkson has had a hand in seven goals in 19 appearances for the Dons. Scoring five, and creating two. Recently, he scored a wonderful goal for the Dons against Rangers – but a Scott Arfield brace saw Rangers win 3-2.
The report does not state that a move from QPR will be a permanent one, or a loan. But, Critchley’s side are making a ‘strong’ move to land Clarkson. It will be a tricky one to do, with his loan deal at Aberdeen lasting until the summer.
Critchley, who worked as Liverpool Under-21’s manager for three years between 2017 and 2020, is hoping his links at Anfield will help pull off a deal. Whether Aberdeen are willing to see his loan cancelled though, remains to be seen.
Critchley wants to raid Liverpool and sign Clarkson this month
Clarkson and Critchley obviously crossed paths during the latter’s time at Liverpool. Since he took over from Michael Beale – the manager Clarkson scored against in December – Critchley has only managed one win in five games.
He needs reinforcements in order to improve QPR’s form and reignite their chances of a top-six finish. Clarkson would certainly do that, but also fit in with the London club’s blueprint of signing young, technical talent. A good move.
But surely, with Clarkson impressing at Pittodrie, it would make sense to remain at Aberdeen and continue the good work he has done A big decision to make for the Liverpool man, one he has to get right for the good of his career.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
