Queens Park Rangers central defender Jake Clarke-Salter has revealed that he is “happy now” at Loftus Road, despite reports connecting him with a move away from the Championship side.
The West London club experienced a spectacular change in fortunes over the second half of the season. QPR finished the season six points above of the bottom three, despite being six points inside the relegation zone when Marti Cifuentes took over as manager. Clarke-Salter was a crucial contributor to this dramatic improvement in form. The Chelsea academy product did not play for the Hoops at the start of the season owing to injury, and he only appeared in three full 90-minute games before being relieved of his duties in October.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old went on to forge a formidable defensive pairing with veteran Steve Cook. Clarke-Salter made 33 appearances for Queens Park Rangers this season, 26 of which were under the Spanish coach.
As a result of his strong performances at Loftus Road, Clarke-Salter has been linked with a move away from QPR, with newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town and Scottish champions Celtic reportedly among the suitors.
Furthermore, John Percy of The Telegraph claims that Stoke City is one of the many fans of the centre-back, while QPR would demand a fee of between £5-7 million for their prized asset.
However, in a recent interview, Clarke-Salter acknowledged he is pleased at Queens Park Rangers and is “just looking forward to the future” amid uncertainties over his status next season [quotes via Football League World]:
“If I’m completely honest with myself, I had a lot of ambition growing up at Chelsea, captaining both the Chelsea and England junior teams, and I had some injuries along the way that hampered my career, but having a home now.
“Being able to keep fit this season, which I thought would happen again.
“I’m confident that I can put those injuries behind me, and I’m just happy to be at QPR.”
“I have a home; I had a wonderful season at the end, and I’m just
Writer’s perspective
When Clarke-Salter came from the Cobham academy eight years ago to make his Chelsea debut, there were big expectations for his future. Former Blues captain John Terry even said that “he reminds me a bit of myself”.
While he may not have reached the heights he expected – injuries have surely not helped – Clarke-Salter’s career still has a long way to go, and it would be surprising if he stayed at Queens Park Rangers beyond this summer.
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