Samba set to rejoin russian side Anzhi from QPR

02 July 2013 12:17

QPR centre-back Christopher Samba is on the verge of re-joining Anzhi Makhachkala for £12million, Press Association Sport understands.

The 29-year-old was signed from the Russian club for an undisclosed club-record fee in January as the Hoops looked to beat the drop from the Barclays Premier League. Just six months on Samba is understood to be close to a return to Anzhi for the price relegated QPR are believed to have forked out for him.

It is a surprise turn by the defender, who expressed his relief that the Rs rejected a bid from Russia just weeks after he signed.

"All the money in the world cannot make you happy if you don't have your family with you," Samba said.

"I came back to be with my family. Life needs to have both sides - enjoy your football and have your loved ones close to you. I have no plans to go back to Russia."

The former Blackburn centre-back was one of the west Londoners' key targets in January as Harry Redknapp looked to shore up his defence.

Samba failed to live up to his billing and was unimpressive for the Rs, notably in a woeful performance against rivals Fulham in April

The Congolese defender gifted the Cottagers the opening two goals in what ended up as a 3-2 defeat, all but ending their hopes of staving off relegation.

Other high earners like Djibril Cisse, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell have all left this summer as the Rs begin to cut their cloth ahead of life in the npower Championship.

Source: PA