Arsenal and Liverpool’s hope of signing Steven Caulker has been dashed after the defender agreed terms to join Queens Park Rangers.
The 22-year-old left Tottenham Hotspur last summer and signed for Cardiff City. However, the Welsh club were relegated to the Championship and despite their poor season in top flight football, the centre-back was one of the few standout players at the club.
The Gunners and the Merseyside club were reportedly interested in securing a deal for Caulker in the summer transfer window. However, the player has opted to join Harry Redknapp’s side.
A statement on the club’s official website read, “QPR have completed the signing of England international defender Steven Caulker. Caulker has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Loftus Road, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with Cardiff City for his services.”
Caulker has worked under Redknapp during their time at the White Hart Lane. The centre-back expressed his delight after being able to reunite with his former manager at QPR.
“I am very excited to be here. It was important for me to be back playing in the Premier League, and Harry Redknapp has given me the opportunity to be at this fantastic club,” Caulker told QPR’s official website.
“Harry was a big factor for me, having worked with him at Tottenham. He was very keen for me to join and that was a big plus, knowing the manager wants you.”
“Being able to play with Rio was also a big draw. He has been a role model of mine for many years, along with Ledley King. To have the opportunity to play alongside him was something I felt I couldn’t miss out on.”
“Our first aim this season has to be to get to 40 points, to make sure we stay up. That’s our first goal,” the defender added.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
