City Starlet Heads Out On Loan

Manchester City midfielder Matt Smith has joined Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers on loan for next season. The Wales international spent last season on-loan at FC Twente, scoring two goals in 34 appearances, and the 19-year-old will now head to Loftus Road for another loan spell.

Smith has been with the Premier League champions since the age of 14 and signed a new long-term deal three months ago. That is a clear indication he is in the thoughts of boss Pep Guardiola, but for now he needs game time. “I spoke to the gaffer here and the connection he has with his players is something that I really got attracted to,” Smith told QPR’s official website.

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“He wants a young, hungry squad and that fitted me well so I took the chance with both hands.” QPR boss Mark Warbuton added: “He is highly regarded by many people within the game and this is an important loan for him now. “He is tenacious, he rats to get the ball, he’s very comfortable in possession, takes the ball in tight areas and has a lovely range of passing as well.”