Mark Warburton is a big fan of Stefan Johansen, but it remains to be seen whether Queens Park Rangers can afford to sign the Fulham midfielder on loan, as reported by The Athletic.
While Fulham are dealing with a surplus of quality play-makers, it is fair to say QPR are in a very different situation.
After losing the talismanic Ebere Eze to Crystal Palace over the summer, Rangers have looked devoid of creativity or cutting edge in the centre of the park. A fact reflected by their tally of 23 goals in 24 Championship matches so far in 2020/21.
Johansen, the Norway captain who has twice earned promotion from the second-tier, would at least help to fill an Eze-shaped void in Warburton’s midfield.
The former Celtic dynamo is free to leave Craven Cottage this month after being left out of Scott Parker’s 25-man Premier League squad.
His agent told TV2 recently that a fresh start was required too, with Johansen desperate to play regular football again after five months gathering dust on the sidelines.
But, as reported by the Athletic, the finances involved means there is still a long way to go before QPR can celebrate the arrival of a man capable of striking up a fine partnership with the talented Ilias Chair in Warburton’s engine room.
The Loftus Road outfit would have to take over Johansen’s £10,000-a-week wages, or at least provide a substantial contribution, if they want to agree a loan deal until the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
