QPR have completed the signing of Nedum Onuoha from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Defender's versatility a key attraction for Hughes
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Nedum Onuoha from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Sky Sports sources on Wednesday night revealed the Loftus Road club had agreed a deal with City and they have now beaten the likes of Everton to the defender's signature.
QPR boss Mark Hughes has made a clear effort to reinforce his defence and earlier in January targeted Chelsea's Alex and Blackburn's Chris Samba after succeeding Neil Warnock.
The Welshman is pleased to have Onuoha's versatility and is aware of the 25-year-old former England Under 21 international's strengths after their time together at City.
"Nedum is a player I know well," Hughes told QPR's
official website ahead of a possible debut in the FA Cup against Chelsea.
"He did very well for me at Man City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other manager.
Competent
"He is very versatile. He can play centre-back or right-back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad.
"I think he is more than competent in both positions. As a centre-back, he is strong and quick, and he can attack the ball.
"In the full-back position, he can get forward and use his pace in wider areas, so he's a great player for us to have. He offers versatility, which I like."
Hughes appears set to miss out on Alex to Paris Saint Germain, while Blackburn are adamant Samba is not for sale.
But, having already signed Taye Taiwo on loan, the QPR boss is pleased with another arrival and thinks Onuahoa, who this season had played just three times for City, will relish first-team football.
Benefits
"He is a young man who needs to get back on track and start playing games," said Hughes.
"We will reap the benefits of that, because he is a determined individual who wants to be a fixture in the side if he can.
"Both he and Taye are similar in that they have come here, because they want to play regular football. And I think that's important.
"When you bring players into the squad you want them to be hungry and ready to make an impact.
"Both these players are good guys who are desperate to do well."
