Queens Park Rangers finalized the acquisition of Lucas Andersen earlier this week. The Championship team successfully recruited him after Danish club AaB Fodbold terminated his contract. This transfer marks the 29-year-old’s reunion with his former manager, Martí Cifuentes, at QPR.
In an interview with Tipsbladet, the focus was solely on QPR’s new addition, Andersen. Cifuentes, who previously managed AaB from 2021 to 2022 before moving to Hammarby, had worked with the Danish player during his tenure at the club.
Cifuentes warmly recommended Andersen when the opportunity arose to bring him to QPR. He expressed his admiration for Andersen’s talent, highlighting his significant contributions to Danish football over the years. Reflecting on his time at AaB, Cifuentes praised Andersen’s resilience in returning from injury and quickly delivering strong performances.
“Lucas and I have always shared a strong bond both on and off the field, and I’m delighted to have him here with us at Queens Park Rangers. I see this move as beneficial for everyone involved, especially considering AaB’s current circumstances,” remarked the coach.
Since December 2020, Andersen has endured 443 days on the sidelines due to two serious injuries. Despite this, the coach remains confident in Andersen’s ability to shine for QPR and advises against dwelling on his injury history or recent form at AaB.
“Assessing a player solely based on the last few months isn’t fair. A lot also hinges on the club’s situation,” explained Cifuentes. “AaB is now in the second tier and undergoing a complete overhaul in their style of play. I’m aware of Lucas’ capabilities, and that’s what I’m concentrating on. I know that when he hits his peak form, he can make a significant impact for us.”
While Andersen has faced significant injury setbacks earlier in his career, he has remained injury-free for the past 18 months. Cifuentes believes that when fully fit, Andersen ranks among the top talents in Danish football. He emphasized the futility of comparing the 17-year-old Andersen to the seasoned 29-year-old player he is today.
Andersen, who emerged from AaB’s youth academy and had two stints with the senior team, has a deep-rooted affection for the club. The QPR manager isn’t surprised by Andersen’s attachment to his hometown club.
“Lucas holds AaB and Aalborg in high regard, and I’m certain that both the club and the city will always speak fondly of him. I’m confident he’ll continue to closely follow the club and cheer for AaB’s resurgence in the Superliga,” he concluded.
