Why Queens Park Rangers must sign Nahki Wells on loan from Burnley
According to West London Sport, QPR are among a host of Championship sides that are keen on signing Burnley’s Nahki Wells. Derby County manager Frank Lampard has also refused to rule out a move for the 28-year-old forward. (Derby Telegraph)
The Bermuda international is on the Rams’ radar as Matej Vydra has completed his move to Turf Moor. Lampard revealed Derby were considering a season-long loan deal for Wells as negotiations with Matej Vydra moved in the opposite direction. However, that move failed to materialize. Now, QPR are looking to sign him on loan this summer (h/t West London Sport).
Steve McLaren’s side has lost both their opening Championship games. They lost their season opener 1-0 away to Preston North End. Over last weekend, QPR suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Sheffield United. Hence, McLaren must work towards boosting his attacking options. He could truly utilize a forward with immense experience playing in the English second-tier division.
Nahki Wells could be a good option for QPR to sign, provided they can fend off interested from other clubs. The former Huddersfield Town centre-forward has failed to establish himself in Sean Dyche’s first-team squad. The 28-year-old has fallen further down the pecking order at Burnley, following Vydra’s arrival.
The Bermudian has a lot of Championship experience. He had a three-year spell at Huddersfield before joining Burnley in 2017. He has played in four Football League divisions, featuring for Carlisle United in League One, Bradford City in both League One and League Two, Huddersfield Town in the Championship and Burnley in the Premier League.
Wells is yet to open his Burnley account despite playing in 10 games, including nine Premier League matches. He scored 45 of his 104 career goals in 144 Championship appearances across four seasons. His personal best season in the second-tier was the 2016/17 season where he scored 17 times in 44 games. Wells can play as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and as a secondary striker.
Excellent at holding onto the ball, Wells could provide good link up play to set up QPR’s counter-attacks. Wells has a great passing range and is capable of threading a through ball every now and then. He is also a threat from direct free-kicks.
A loan move away from Turf Moor would benefit everyone involved. After failing to land any deal on deadline day and being banned from signing players in the winter window, QPR should bring Nahki Wells to Loftus Road on loan before this window closes.
