QPR defender Niko Hämäläinen has joined Los Angeles FC on loan.
The 21-year-old will spend six months with the Major League Soccer side, as confirmed by their official club website.
Who is he?
The youngster started his career in America with a spell at FC Dallas before moving over to England to join QPR in September 2014. He made his first-team debut for the Hoops in a league game against Fulham in October 2016 and has since made five more appearances.
Hämäläinen also had a brief loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge in 2015. His chances in QPR’s senior squad have been limited so Steve McClaren’s side have sanctioned this loan move back to America for him to get some more minutes under his belt.
Who are LAFC?
They are managed by former Swansea City manager Bob Bradley and had an impressive debut season in the Major League Soccer last season. They came third in the Western Conference and earned their place in the Play-Offs but were knocked out by Real Salt Lake.
They have the likes of former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela and ex-Benfica midfielder Andre Horta in their ranks. LAFC also signed striker Adama Diomande from Championship side Hull City last season.
Aim this season?
LAFC will be looking to build on last season and get in the Play-Offs again. The kick off their season on Monday against Sporting Kansas City. Can Niko Hämäläinen make his first appearance for the club then?
