Steve McClaren has completed his first signing as QPR boss with Toni Leistner joining on a three-year deal from Union Berlin
Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren has completed his first signing for the club after Toni Leistner joined from FC Union Berlin on a free transfer.
The towering centre-back is already in Portugal with his new team-mates enjoying Rangers’ pre-season training camp and Steve McClaren will be keen that the 27-year-old fits straight into his side.
There was reported interest from Bundesliga and Championship clubs but McClaren will be delighted that Leistner opted to join the west Londoners instead. Speaking to QPR’s official website, the 57-year-old explained: “With Nedum Onuoha, Jack Robinson and James Perch leaving the club, and Grant Hall coming back from a long-term injury, we are obviously short in that area,” McClaren said.
Every Love Island contestant as an England player
“We have been looking for the last month for centrebacks and we believe we have found a very good one in Toni.
“He has been much sought after, he’s run his contract down and many people were chasing his signature, from the Bundesliga to the Championship.
“I have watched him play, we have done a lot of character references on him and I went out to Berlin to meet him, to look him in the eye and speak with him.
“He is a leader, a winner and dominant in the air but can also play, so he seems an ideal fit for how we want to go forward.
“We have got a young squad, and Onouha, Robinson and Perch were all experienced players, so getting someone of Toni’s age and experience is crucial.
“I am delighted to have got him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
