Hamalainen’s exit confirmed as QPR target Larkeche

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QPR have confirmed the departure of Niko Hamalainen, who has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.

West London Sport revealed earlier on Thursday that Hamalainen was set to leave and that Rangers are looking to sign Ziyad Larkeche.

French left-back Larkeche, 20, is being released by Fulham, who signed him from Paris St-Germain three years ago. He was on loan at Barnsley last season.


Hamalainen has been at QPR since 2014 and had a year remaining on his contract.

However, the Finland international has been out of the first-team picture for some time and Rangers were keen for him to move on.

Boss Gareth Ainsworth has therefore moved to bring in an alternative back-up for Kenneth Paal.

“We wish Niko all the best in his career going forward. Hopefully he will go on to good things,” Ainsworth told the club website. 

Larkeche is an attacking full-back and Fulham fought off competition from a number of European clubs to sign him.