please log in to view this image Yossi Benayoun: Ex-Chelsea man set to join QPR on 18-month deal By David Ornstein BBC Sport Queens Park Rangers are set to complete the signing of Israel captain Yossi Benayoun on an 18-month deal. Benayoun, a free agent following his release by Chelsea last summer, has been training with the R's. The former West Ham and Liverpool midfielder, 33, had offers from Spanish side Malaga and Reims in France. But QPR manager Harry Redknapp made personal contact with Benayoun and the two parties have been in discussions since October. He received a late approach this week from Championship leaders Leicester City, but is still expected to move to Loftus Road. Benayoun played for the Ajax youth team before starting his professional career with Hapoel Be'er Sheva. After successful spells with Maccabi Haifa and Racing Santander, he moved to the Premier League with West Ham, who sold him to Liverpool in 2007. He had spells on loan with the Hammers and Arsenal during his three years as a Chelsea player. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25205240 Yippie!!! Sorry if already posted. Have been off the grid since Friday.
please log in to view this image 03/12/2013 By David McIntyre QPRâs board are reluctant to sanction a deal for Yossi Benayoun. The 33-year-old Israeli, a free agent since leaving Chelsea at the end of last season, trained with Rangers last week and would like an 18-month contract. Harry Redknapp opened talks on Friday and wants to sign him but the clubâs board are much less keen, primarily because of Benayounâs age. Redknapp was also left frustrated during the summer when chief executive Philip Beard blocked the managerâs proposed signing of former England full-back Wayne Bridge, who joined Reading. please log in to view this image Beard also blocked the Bridge deal Having made his name in the Premier League with West Ham, Benayoun was at Liverpool before a £5m move to Chelsea in 2010. He managed only one league start in a three-year spell with the Blues, during which he was loaned to West Ham and Arsenal. http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/benayoun-wls-football
I hope the Board stand firm and don't allow this one. Gosh, it wasn't long ago I was convinced that the only thing Board's should do is give absolute, 100%, unwavering backing to their Manager. Mark Hughes' tenure changed my outlook forever.
My view, is that when a club has management and manager with a good close working relationship, where trust is encouraged, that is the best environment for a club to thrive. A fail to see with the recruits Hughes brought in, that he had the long term future of the club closest to his heart
The player here is a very good player and still by all accounts fit It's not rocket science that at this level he could really be a major asset plus he could get a shot back at the highest level where he has a wealth of experience to consolidate a premier league position Can't understand this age thing at all If you are talented and fit and this player is and fits within the framework that is now QPR let's have him I don't want useless kids on a gamble I want foundation this player gives it straight from the tin Let's get on with it
Well that's just about done it. If I was slightly wavering before, I'm cast iron certain now we don't want him. Heaven help us
spot on IMO. We're lacking creativity and goals, Benayoun is the kind of player who can provide both (on paper). Well worth a punt, although i would have been tempted to offer a year max and see how we got on.
I hope David Mac is right, would love to see Beard stamping on Harold's fingers as he reaches for the cheque book. Benayoun was a good player, no idea now, welcome on a short term deal until the end of the season, but 18 months....earn it mate.
Glad it wasn't just me that thought he looked a tad overweight. We've been over this before, Yossi as naturally fit and could play for as long as Giggs if he wants to imo. He got flair and creativity that no one in the Championship comes close to. He's better than Kranjcar if you ask me. Let's wait and see until all details are clear. Won't be surprised if it is a 6 month deal with an option of a further 12 months if we are promoted.
If HR thinks that he is fit and keen then we should sign him. He would do well in this league and could also be a good asset next season in the PL. Just call me Mr Positive!
Wait until it's confirmed, but I'm in the hesitant camp. Not sure if he's got the legs & ability left to play at top level.
I bet the Leicester link was bollocks spun up by Yossi's agent to pressurise us into a silly 18 month deal..
HR said last night that he was hoping to sign Benayoun 'until the end of the season', but that it was down to Phil and Tony. Can't see it happening.
please log in to view this image 07/12/2013 By David McIntyre QPR have signed former Chelsea man Yossi Benayoun, subject to a work permit, according to assistant manager Kevin Bond. The 33-year-old Israeli, a free agent since leaving Stamford Bridge during the summer, trained with Rangers last week. Speaking after the frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn, Bond confirmed Benayoun will be joining the club, although the final terms of his contract are not yet known. âWeâve brought in Yossi, whoâs a really clever footballer,â said Bond. âIn games like that â we were a little better when Niko Kranjcar came on â Iâd like to think Yossi will thrive in those situations.â Having made his name in the Premier League with West Ham, Benayoun was at Liverpool before a £5m move to Chelsea in 2010. He managed only one league start in a three-year spell with the Blues, during which he was loaned to West Ham and Arsenal. http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/benayoun-deal-is-done-says-qprs-bond A player like Yossi was desperately needed today.