As the summer transfer window reaches a crescendo of activity, Sky Sports runs the rule over the high-profile movers in the Premier League. Hit or miss? Read our assessment and offer your own verdict here...
Monday 1 September 2014 23:45, UK
SANDRO
To: Queens Park Rangers
From: Tottenham
Fee: Undisclosed
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Brazilian
BIO
Sandro has endured a stop-start time of it in English football since his arrival from Internacional in 2010. The Brazil international midfielder appeared to be bolstering his reputation at White Hart Lane, enjoying a good relationship with then boss Harry Redknapp and starting well under his successor Andre Villas-Boas. But injuries scuppered Sandro’s progress – causing him to drift out of contention for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad on home soil - and it is the hope of a fresh start under Redknapp at Loftus Road that will be driving him now.
THEY SAY
“Sandro was a fantastic player for me,” said Redknapp on transfer deadline day. It echoed his sentiments back in 2010 after a man of the match performance by the player against AC Milan. “He's powerful, strong, and aggressive and got the ability to run and work for 90 minutes. He is a young player with a big future. He might not be your typical Brazilian player with the silky skills but he's certainly got other great attributes.”
HE SAYS
Sandro endured an underwhelming season last time out under Tim Sherwood but was hoping for a new start when speaking in May. “He will leave at the end of the season. Then, new coach, new everything.” As it is, the new coach that Sandro will now be playing under is in fact the first one he worked with when he arrived in England.
HIT?
Sandro was a popular figure at Tottenham and there will be some still feeling he was capable of playing a part in the club’s future. At the age of 25, there is considerable time for him to fulfil his early promise and get back to the player who ranked among the top three in the Premier League for combined tackles and interceptions in the 2012/13 season.
MISS?
However, Sandro lost his way badly at Spurs and there must be doubts about his ability to sustain full fitness over a demanding campaign. The most minutes he has ever completed in a Premier League season is 1779 of the possible 3420 and Redknapp will surely be hoping for a greater contribution as QPR battle to stay in the top flight.
VERDICT
A fit and focused Sandro would be a huge asset to Queens Park Rangers and reunited with Redknapp, there is every reason to believe the Brazilian can rediscover his best form. This could well be a big hit for the newly-promoted club.
