Andre Dozzell’s £1 million move to Championship QPR has been confirmed, the midfielder having signed a three-year deal with an option for a further season at Loftus Road.
As previously reported, Town have confirmed that QPR triggered a buy-out clause in the contract Dozzell signed in December. While the fee is officially undisclosed, we understand that figure was £1 million with the deal also including a sell-on.
"I am buzzing and just can’t wait to get going,” Dozzell told QPR’s official website. "I have been at Ipswich since I was eight and I will always have love for the club but I felt now was the right time to take this step in my career.
"This takes me out of my comfort zone and I just think it is the right time. My dad had good years at Ipswich but I’m my own player and I think it was time for me to move on.
"I spoke to Les [Ferdinand] and the gaffer [Mark Warburton]. They sold it to me. I was aware they were tracking me for quite some time. It’s always nice to feel wanted, so it was easy for me.
"They told me how they saw me fitting into their plans and how they can improve me — obviously there are a lot of improvements to be made, so it is exciting to come and play here. This was the right step for me.”
Manager Warburton added: "We are delighted to bring Andre on board. He is a player who really fits the mould of what we are looking for — he is young with lots of potential and he has that adaptability to his game.
"He can play as a deep-lying midfielder or further up the park, and with how we play and adjust our formation, that is vital for us.
"We have already seen it last season with youngsters such as Sam Field, George Thomas and Chris Willock — working with the senior lads is so important for them.
"Andre comes to us on the back of a very good season with Ipswich and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
TWTD revealed this morning that the deal had been completed having initially reported in February that the West Londoners were watching Dozzell.
Earlier this month we reported that QPR were leading the chase and then last week were closing in on his signing.
Dozzell, the son of Blues legend Jason, came through the academy at Town and went on to make 78 starts and 15 sub appearances, scoring three times, including on his debut as a 16-year-old at Sheffield Wednesday, emulating his father.
The former Copleston High School pupil was among the many players told he could leave the club this summer by manager Paul Cook.
With the former England U20 cap's previous contract up this summer, the Blues weren't in a strong position when negotiating the new terms which were agreed in December, hence the inclusion of the buuy-out clause which stipulated that if an offer of £1 million came in Dozzell could move on it he wished to do so.
As previously reported, Blackburn Rovers and Brentford have also shown interest in Dozzell.