Sources: QPR defender Hamalainen agrees to join Botafogo
Brazilian club Botafogo have agreed to sign QPR defender Niko Hamalainen, Football Insider understands.
The 25-year-old is set to head to Botafogo on an initial loan deal.
A QPR source has told Football Insider that the terms of the deal have been agreed and Hamalainen should move imminently.
He has been given the green light to exit by manager Mark Warburton.
The left-back has not been named in any of Warburton’s matchday squads this season.
Hamalainen made 23 QPR appearances last term and went out on loan to MLS side LA Galaxy during the off-season.
He made 14 appearances for the American outfit but could not reprise his role in the R’s lineup following his return in November 2021.
The QPR academy product is a full Finland international and has earned 12 senior caps since his debut in January 2019.
Hamalainen was named in the squad for Euro 2020 but made the bench just once as Finland bowed out in the group stage.
The 25-year-old’s impending Brazil move is the latest in a string of temporary switches.
As well as his LA Galaxy spell, loan moves to Dagenham and Redbridge, Los Angeles FC, and Kilmarnock have seen Hamalainen further his development.
The left-back is out of contract at Loftus Road in June 2024.
Lee Wallace and loan star Sam McCallum have surpassed the Finland international in the QPR pecking order this term.
The Hoops sit ninth in the Championship but could still secure a playoff berth.
Botafogo will play in the Brazillian top tier once again this season following their promotion from Serie B last term.
In other news, QPR set sights on signing League One star.