QPR snap up rival striker for undisclosed fee

31 January 2017

2 minute read

QPR have signed Fulham’s Matt Smith for an undisclosed fee as confirmed by the club website.

The 27-year-old striker is no stranger to deadline day deals after he signed for Fulham just hours before the transfer window closes back in 2014 from Leeds United. But since then he has become an outsider to the first team and despite getting a great shot at breaking back into the first team with the departures of Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele, he hasn’t been able to score since August when he netted in the 2-1 win against Preston North End.

But now he has a new permanent home after he penned a three-and-a-half year deal with QPR. Their recently appointed head coach Ian Holloway is looking to rebuild the squad and now he is a focal point up front after signing the striker who is well-known for his height, standing at an impressive 6ft 6inches.

After the signing was completed, Holloway said: “I think every team needs a big, strong centre-forward and Matt fits that bill for us.”

“He’s hungry; he’s fresh; he’s honest; he’s hardworking; and he’s got a massive personality.”

“He forces defences into mistakes by his sheer presence, look and size, but he’s more than that, because when he’s on song and scoring goals, there’s so much more to his game. His touch for a big man is absolutely exceptional.”

“I think someone like Conor Washington will really benefit from Matt joining us, because he’ll allow us to play in a number of different styles, which is what you need in this division.”

“I’m made up with him joining us – the deal we’ve agreed is sensational value for a player in this window.”