The 2. Bundesliga player has run down his contract and would make a superb signing for Steve McClaren’s QPR
Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren is in need of defenders, and Toni Leistner could be exactly what the R’s are looking for.
Leistner will be leaving FC Union Berlin after four years of service with the 2. Bundesliga club and had previously gained interest at QPR’s Championship rivals Norwich City.
QPR are keen to fill the void left by Nedum Onouha and Jack Robinson, and Leistner can go some way to fill that. The 6’3″ centre-back would certainly add a genuine presence to QPR’s back line as McClaren will be aiming to stop the R’s shipping so many goals this season.
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A grand total of 70 were conceded by the west Londoners last campaign and if Leistner was added to the ranks, the R’s faithful will be hoping for a lighter tally this time around.
According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old wins 6.4 aerial duels per game and averages 1.6 tackles per game. Admittedly, a higher tackle ratio would make for better reading, but Leistner has averaged 55 passes per game with a success rate of just under 80% (all based on 2017/18 season). Something which demonstrates a calmness with the ball at his feet.
QPR, however, will only be one of a number of clubs who can benefit from Leistner’s prescience and experience, but McClaren can potentially pull off a small coup if he convinces him his future lies in W12. Leistner made 29 league appearances last season and scored one goal as Berlin missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga.
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