Transfer news: Fulham confirm loan deal for QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt

Moroccan international will return to the Premier League with west London rivals after a season-long loan move was agreed

Agency
Thursday 08 August 2013 12:26 BST
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QPR’s Adel Taarabt shows frustration at a point but City felt the pain
QPR’s Adel Taarabt shows frustration at a point but City felt the pain

Fulham have announced the signing of QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan from QPR.

The 24-year-old played under current Fulham boss Martin Jol when the pair were at Tottenham, with the Dutchman confirming on Monday evening that a move for the Morocco international was close.

Taarabt, who was relegated with Rangers last season, had expressed a desire not to play in the SkyBet Championship and has now sealed an immediate return to the top flight with QPR's near neighbours.

Taarabt captained the R's when he first completed a permanent move from Spurs, helping then-manager Neil Warnock guide the team to the Championship title.

The former France youth international has made over 150 appearances for QPR but his time at Loftus Road appeared to be coming to an end when Harry Redknapp could not prevent the club slipping back in to the second tier.

Fulham announced the signing on their website while QPR also issued a statement confirming the deal and that Taarabt had informed the club earlier in the summer of his desire to play in the top flight.

Taarabt offered a short explanation behind his decision and did not rule out returning to Rangers when the loan deal expires next year.

"This was a difficult decision for me, but at this stage of my career I feel I need to be playing at the top level," he said.

"I hope the fans understand my decision and I really hope to return to Loftus Road one day.

"I wish QPR well for the season and hope they achieve promotion back to where I believe the club belongs."

Taarabt becomes Jol's sixth signing of the summer following permanent moves for defenders Sascha Riether and Fernando Amorebieta, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, midfielder Derek Boateng and young forward Ange-Freddy Plumain.

PA

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