Oxford United defender Rob Dickie has left the club to join Championship outfit, Queens Park Rangers. The 24-year-old, who joined the U’s in January 2018, has penned a four year deal with the R’s for an undisclosed fee.
Karl Robinson had been expected to see his star defender leave for some time. The 24-year-old had been linked with a number of clubs, including Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
But the R’s have managed to lure the defender away from the Kassam – a move that keeps him close to his family in Reading.
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, Robinson said: “It’s a good move for Rob. QPR are a really good club and went about things the right way.
“We believe we have got a good fee, plus additional add ons, for someone who only had nine months of his contract left and he leaves with our thanks for his commitment and hard work over the last two years
“The way he has conducted himself has been fantastic and it has been a pleasure to work with him and see him develop not just as a player but also as a leader and as a man.”
Dickie added: “I’m excited to be joining QPR but I want to thank Tiger, the Gaffer, staff, players and fans at Oxford. I have enjoyed every minute of my time there and I know they are on the right tracks and will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Dickie joined the U’s in January 2018 from Reading but didn’t play under Pep Clotet. He featured more regularly under caretaker boss Derek Fazackerley before Robinson took charge.
His performances grew week in week out. Solid in the air, good with his feet and demanding at the back, Dickie was the whole package for the U’s. He didn’t look out of place when the club faced Premier League opposition, such as Newcastle United and Manchester City.
The defender made 113 appearances for Robinson’s side, scoring three times, and was awarded the fans Player of the Year last season. His final game was the U’s League One play-off final defeat against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley Stadium.
