Queens Park Rangers midfielder George Thomas is attracting a significant amount of interest this summer.
What’s the talk?
In a recent interview with West London Sport, Mark Warburton revealed that he has turned down a number of approaches for the 24-year-old in the summer transfer window, with clubs thought to have been looking to secure the services of the Wales international on a season-long loan deal.
However, the 58-year-old manager appears adamant that Thomas will not be leaving the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, suggesting that the attacking midfielder is very much part of his plans for the Rs 2020/21 Championship campaign – despite appearing to be behind both Ilias Chair and Chris Willock in the attacking midfield pecking order.
Warburton said: “He had a lot of involvement towards the end of last season and if you look at how we play, in terms of Chris and Ilias, George is right there with them – at Middlesbrough we played all three of them.
“He provides energy, quality and he’s got that lovely ability to run beyond defenders as well. I’ve had a lot of enquiries; will we let George out on loan? Absolutely not. He’s got a big role to play for us this season.”
Fans will be buzzing
While it is true that Thomas has not featured all that much since moving to west London from Leicester City last summer, having made just 18 appearances for QPR last season – only five of which came as starts – the fact that Warburton appears eager to keep the 24-year-old at the club this season should have fans buzzing.
Indeed, despite averaging just 28 minutes on the pitch in each of his 17 Championship appearances last term, the £540k-rated man nevertheless provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an averaging of 0.4 key passes and taking 0.6 shots per match.
Furthermore, while Chair and Willock may well be two players more likely to start in the QPR XI, with someone as talented as Thomas breathing down their necks, it will only help improve the performances of the duo, as they will be well aware that if they find themselves in a run of poor form, they will be displaced by the former Leicester man.
As such, the news that Thomas will not be leaving this club would appear to be fantastic news for all involved, as his mere presence will help raise the standards of all of QPR’s attacking midfielders this season.
It also gives the Rs fanbase something to be very excited about, as he’s very capable of doing damage from the bench, too.
In other news: Warburton drops claim on “excellent” QPR gem which will be music to the ears of fans