Queens Park Rangers target star Aberdeen youngster Timothy Akindileni
Queens Park Rangers are reportedly eyeing a move for highly-rated Aberdeen youth player Timothy Akindileni.
The 17-year-old centre back, who has been a stand out for Aberdeen’s under-18 side, has already caught the attention of the first team, featuring on the bench this season.
Akindileni joined Aberdeen in September 2023 after impressing during a trial period and has since showcased his talents in the Challenge Cup and the UEFA Youth League, prompting interest from QPR as reported by Football Insider.
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Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, the naturally left-footed centre back has attracted interest due to his potential and physical presence.
However, as he is yet to sign a professional contract at Pittodrie, the London based Championship club could secure his services for minimal cross-border training compensation.
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Aberdeen fans may be disappointed at the prospect of losing a promising player so early in his development, especially as Akindileni is known to be a boyhood fan of the Dons.
Despite this, QPR, currently sit 13th in the Championship under head coach Marti Cifuentes, are looking to bolster their squad with young talent as they aim to improve on their narrow escape from relegation last season.
Aberdeen, currently fourth in the Premiership, have faced challenges maintaining momentum after a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign.
The club boasts a proud tradition of developing players, with the likes of Ryan Fraser, Calvin Ramsay and Connor Barron emerging from their youth system in recent years.
Losing Akindileni could be seen as a blow to their ambitions of building a team around homegrown talent.
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QPR has a history of nurturing promising players through their academy, with Eberechi Eze being a notable example.
The attacking midfielder made a high profile move to Crystal Palace in 2020 and has since made nine appearances for England’s senior team.
Current academy graduates like Ilais Chair, Rayan Kolli and Alfie Lloyd are also making their mark at Loftus Road, demonstrating the club's commitment to developing young talents.
With QPR keen to add depth and Aberdeen facing the prospect of losing a rising star, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Akindileni’s future.