Queens Park Rangers midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner has joined Swedish side Vasteras SK on loan until July, the club has confirmed.
The 24-year-old, who has struggled for game time at Loftus Road, has not featured for QPR since coming off the bench in stoppage time during a goalless draw at Watford in November.
Dixon-Bonner will now spend the first half of the Swedish season with Vasteras, who were relegated to the second tier last year and begin their new campaign against Orebro SK on 1 April. His loan spell runs until 8 July.
Career so far: From Liverpool to Loftus Road
Born in Harlow, Essex, Dixon-Bonner began his career in Arsenal’s academy before moving to Liverpool at the age of 14. He progressed through the youth ranks and captained England’s Under-16 side.
In 2018-19, he was part of Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup-winning squad, scoring in the penalty shootout victory over Manchester City in the final. The midfielder signed his first professional contract in 2018 and featured regularly for Liverpool’s Under-23s before making his senior debut in an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town in February 2020.
Although he spent time on trial with Portsmouth in the summer of 2021, he remained at Anfield and was included in Liverpool’s squad for the UEFA Champions League that season. He also featured in the Carabao Cup, playing in a 2-0 win over Preston North End.
After his contract expired in June 2022, Dixon-Bonner joined QPR in October following a successful trial.
QPR struggles and loan move
Dixon-Bonner has struggled to secure a regular place in the QPR squad, making just a handful of league appearances since his arrival.
His first league start came in November 2023 under new manager Martí Cifuentes in a 1-1 draw with Rotherham United. Cifuentes praised the midfielder’s performance and hinted at a more prominent role, but Dixon-Bonner has found opportunities limited.
Despite signing a contract extension in June 2024, he has played just a handful of minutes this season, prompting the decision to move to Sweden for more regular football.
Writer’s view
Dixon-Bonner’s move to Sweden offers him a fresh start and much-needed game time. At 24, he is at a crucial stage of his career and needs regular football to establish himself.
QPR have shown faith in him with a recent contract extension, so this loan spell will be an opportunity to prove he can play a bigger role when he returns. Whether he can turn this stint at Vasteras into a platform for more first-team action at Loftus Road remains to be seen.
