Carlisle United are interested in Elijah Dixon-Bonner but face competition from an EFL club.
Mark Hughes’ side are looking to bounce back after last season’s calamitous relegation from League Two, and have already secured multiple players from teams in the divisions above, including Salford City‘s Junior Luamba and Peterborough United‘s David Ajiboye, with the latter joining on a free transfer. Having lost a large chunk of last season’s squad, Sparky has made seven permanent signings so far.
Dixon-Bonner Wanted
According to a report from West London Sport, the Blues are looking at signing Elijah Dixon-Bonner from Queens Park Rangers with his first-team chances limited under new boss Julien Stephan. He made just three Championship appearances last season, all from the bench under now-Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Vasteras SK in the Swedish Superettan.
Arriving at Loftus Road in October 2022 on a free transfer from Liverpool, the 24-year-old made 33 appearances for The R’s in total and earned a new contract towards the end of the 2023/24 season after a positive end to the campaign. However, with the recruitment of midfielder Jonathan Varane during the last summer window, his chances of regular gametime dwindled with the Martinique international’s blistering performances alongside Sam Field.
Carlisle are not alone in pursuing Dixon-Bonner, with League Two side Walsall also interested. The Saddlers have had the former Arsenal academy player on trial at the Bescot Stadium, and are set to make a decision on whether to offer him a contract in the coming days. Other sides are interested, but are not named by West London Sport.
Writers’ View
Elijah Dixon-Bonner’s future at Queens Park Rangers does not look bright and explains why he has been on trial at Walsall. He was not given many chances to fight for a place in the side following Jonathan Varane’s arrival and prompted a fruitless loan to the Swedish second tier. Carlisle United could be an interesting prospect as they look a strong candidate for promotion back into the Football League, but Walsall is the most likely destination considering their status in League Two and their chances of challenging for promotion once more.
