Leeds United should look to lure Luke Freeman away from Loftus Road
According to Football London, Leeds United are weighing up an audacious swoop for Queens Park Rangers’ star midfielder Luke Freeman next summer.
However, the same report claims that any move would depend on the Peacocks securing promotion to the Premier League.
Freeman has been one of the few shining lights of QPR’s otherwise disappointing campaign in the Championship this term, with the Loftus Road outfit currently languishing 18th in the standings. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a successful season at the west London club, accumulating 7 goals and 4 assists from 34 appearances in the Championship. The former Arsenal man starred with 5 goals and 12 assists in the Championship last term and he has delivered this time around as well.
A youth product of Gillingham, Freeman was signed by Arsenal in his earlier days but the creative ace failed to make his cut into the first-team, spending time on loan at Yeovil Town and Stevenage. The Englishman rebuilt his career at Bristol City and a move to Loftus Road in 2015 has seen him establish himself as a star performer in the second tier.
A left-footed creative midfielder, Freeman has the versatility to play in multiple positions in the midfield. The 26-year-old is predominantly a left-winger by trade but he has also been used as a playmaker behind the striker and out wide on the right.
The former English youth international is noted for his passing, flair and composure on the ball, whilst also having the creativity to unlock tight defences. A sharp and agile player blessed with quick feet and low centre-of-gravity, Freeman excels with his crossing ability from the flanks. The QPR man also has a wand of a left foot and is adept at creating chances with his deliveries from set-pieces.
The 26-year-old averages 1.9 key passes, 2.1 shots, 1.5 dribbles, 2.1 crosses, 1 tackle and 1.1 interceptions per game in the Championship this season, figures which speak volumes of his well-rounded abilities as a versatile midfielder.
To put things into perspective, Freeman has shown enough promise for a struggling QPR side and he definitely deserves a move to one of the promotion-hopefuls in the Championship. With considerable second tier experience in his CV, the former Arsenal outcast should now relish the opportunity to ply his trade at the highest level.
Marcelo Bielsa has transformed Leeds’ fortunes and the Peacocks are right on track to ending their 15-year long absence from top-flight football. Despite boasting of the prolific Kemar Roofe, creative veteran Pablo Hernández and young and dazzling Jack Clarke in their ranks, Leeds are yet to find a replacement for Samuel Saiz who departed Elland Road to join Getafe in January.
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The Yorkshire giants need more firepower and cutting edge in their attack to thrive in the Premier League next season and Luke Freeman is certainly a viable option. That said, they should go all out to sign him next summer.
