A slightly different perspective
By Paul Warburton /London Informer
QPR have signed Jordi Lopez today after he was rejected by three other English clubs.
However, the pedigree Lopez brings with him for the last 15 games of the season gives the Spaniard at least a fighting chance of finally making an impact after being turned down by Blackburn, Portsmouth and Birmingham.The former Real Madrid midfielder will initially be cover on the right or in defensive midfield, and as a free agent is conveniently outside transfer window restrictions.
It is also believed the 27-year-old has dropped his wage demands to the point where the gamble on his fitness is going to be cost effective one way or the other.Lopez only played twice for the Galacticos, but made a bigger impression in La Liga at Sevilla, Real Mallorca and Racing Santander where he featured in 75 games over the last four seasons.
He cancelled his contract at Mallorca to try his luck in England, but got no further than trials with Portsmouth and Blackburn at the beginning of the season.
Undisclosed medical problems scuppered Lopez's chances of joining Birmingham just before Christmas, but now Rangers think they can bring the former UEFA Cup medal winner up to speed over the next couple of weeks.
A Rangers source said: "The club has a number of games coming up and needs a flexible player to bolster the squad.
"Jordi fits the bill, and although something of a gamble, providing we can get him match fit will be an excellent addition."
www.londoninformer.co.uk/london-sport/london-football/2009/02/17/qpr-gamble-on-jordi-lopez-113489-22947842/Dave McIntyre & Yann Tear
Ealing Gazette
Spanish midfielder Lopez coming to Rangers
Feb 17 2009 By David McIntyre and Yann Tear
QPR have announced that former Real Madrid midfielder Jordi Lopez has joined them in a three-month deal.
The 27-year-old Spaniard was on Barcelona鈥檚 books as a youngster before joining Real Madrid. He made two first-team appearances for Real before spells at Sevilla - with whom he won the 2004 Uefa Cup - and then Real Mallorca, who released him last year.
Lopez has since had trials at Portsmouth and Blackburn, before a potential move to Birmingham was halted by doubts about his long-term fitness.
The Italian-style set-up at Loftus Road limits the coach鈥檚 influence on signings, with boss Flavio Briatore and sporting director Gianni Paladini largely responsible for bringing in players.
Paladini has continued to recruit players since Sousa鈥檚 appointment earlier this season but Lopez is very much Sousa鈥檚 choice, effectively making him the Portuguese鈥檚 first Rangers signing.
"Jordi is a very, very capable player and will give us great options in the middle of the park," Sousa said.
"He can play central or wide and is technically a very good player. He is a creative midfielder and we are looking forward to welcoming him into our family."