QPR’s Hamalainen with LAFC ahead of loan move
QPR’s Niko Hamalainen has joined Los Angeles FC’s pre-season training camp ahead of an expected loan move.
West London Sport revealed that American youngsters Hamalainen and Giles Phillips would be returning to their native United States on loan and subsequently also revealed there was interest from New England Revolution, while Los Angeles would also be an option if their coach, former Swansea manager Bob Bradley, wanted them.
Centre-back Phillips, 21, has since joined Revolution, who are managed by former Tottenham and Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
And Bradley is now taking a look at Hamaleinen, who featured in a pre-season friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
LAFC are part-owned by QPR co-owner Ruben Gnanalingam.
Hamaleinen and Phillips were among the fringe players Rangers had lined up for loan moves well before January transfer window, as was Osman Kakay.
The likes of Paul Smyth, Sean Goss and Ilias Chair were also earmarked for loan moves and went to Accrington Stanley, St Johnstone and Stevenage respectively.
However, Rangers were unable to arrange a deal for right-back Kakay despite attempting to do so until the very final stages of the window.
It was hoped as the deadline approached that Kakay would join Port Vale or Newport County, but no move materialised.
His options are now being considered, particularly in light of Angel Rangel’s expected return from injury, which is likely to push Kakay back down the pecking order.
Florida-born Finland international Hamalainen, who turns 22 next month, has been with QPR since 2014 and has made six first-team appearances for the club.
Phillips was signed in 2017 and is yet to make his senior debut.
Both players recently had their QPR contracts extended until 2020.
