Christopher Samba Will Move to QPR from Anzhi Makhachkala

Queens Park Rangers have completed a deadline-day move for Christopher Samba, according to the club's official Twitter feed. He will join the Premier League side from Russian giant Anzhi Makhachkala.

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#QPR have completed the signing of Christopher Samba on a four and a half year deal #Samba5 vine.co/v/b1zpEwjPz7F

— QPR FC (@OfficialQPR) January 31, 2013"

Samba was a popular target for EPL clubs last season before agreeing to an Anzhi deal. However, just one year later, he's on the move again. The 28-year-old defender will immediately become a key piece of the Hoops' back line.

The reason he's been such a popular target over the past couple of seasons is because of his terrific combination of size (6'4'') and strength, which allow him to command the box. It's something QPR have lacked during the first half of the season.

With the Hoops currently sitting alone in last place and four points from safety, it's going to take a serious uptick in form down the stretch in order to avoid getting sent down. Bringing in Samba is a step in the right direction.

Samba will join a defense that's started to show some signs of life recently, including a solid performance to hold Manchester City scoreless in a midweek draw. His arrival is even more important considering that veteran Ryan Nelsen, who's been the most consistent performer, is leaving to manage Toronto FC.

It's a surprising move considering QPR's current standing, and count manager Harry Redknapp among those who weren't expecting his side to pull off a move for a player like Samba during the January window. The club posted the following comment on Facebook.

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Redknapp on Samba - "I said to him, ‘Well, these aren’t possible to get but if you’re asking me who I’d have, I’ll give you a couple of players.’ One of them was Chris Samba."

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It's definitely a nice coup for the Hoops. Now the question becomes whether or not the January moves, which also included striker Loic Remy, will be enough to dig them out of the relegation hole they dug in the first half.

Adding Samba will definitely help the cause.