'Set To Sign': Charlton Athletic and QPR to lose Premier League transfer race to Championship rival

Charlton Athletic and QPR had been credited with transfer interest in Brighton talent Odeluga Offiah this summer but appear set to lose the race for his signature to Championship rivals Preston North End.

The transfer window has sprung into life at The Valley and Loftus Road in recent weeks. Nathan Jones tasted promotion success last season having been active early in the summer window 12 months ago and looks to be using a similar tactic with Sonny Carey, Thomas Kaminski and Isaac Olaofe already through the door.

Meanwhile, over in west London, QPR action was slowed due to the managerial debacle. Marti Cifuentes has now been replaced by Julien Stephan with an important new contract confirmed for 2024/25 Player of the Season Jimmy Dunne with Kwame Poku and Amadou Mbengue arriving at Loftus Road.

QPR and Charlton Athletic linked with Brighton defender

Both the Addicks and the R’s were said to be monitoring Offiah, who impressed on loan at Blackpool last season. The defender, who can play both at centre back and right back, made 45 appearances across all competitions for the Tangerines.

Offiah returned to Brighton after his loan spell but was expected to head out and make the step up to Championship level as his progress continues. The 22-year-old is not expected to be an immediate part of plans on the south coast under Fabirn Hurzeler. His Premier League minutes to date have come under former boss Roberto De Zerbi. The defender’s Premier League debut came against Nottingham Forest in April 2023 and a first start was handed to him against Bournemouth a year later.

Speaking after the match against the Cherries, De Zerbi said: “I think he played very well. I played with Odel Offiah and O’Mahony because Danny Welbeck couldn’t play in the first XI. Julio as well. And for another reason, because I want to see energy, strong energy, motivation on the pitch.”

It was the player’s physicality that also earned praise from Steve Bruce while at Blackpool. Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette in February, he said: "He's got all the attributes that the modern player requires.

“He's big, strong and powerful. There's been a few times where he's been on these mazy runs when I can see why the crowd like him. He's done very well. He's a big physical beast of a man."

Preston North End set to win transfer race

However, it appears as if Preston North End have muscled their way into pole position to sign the rising star, ahead of QPR and Charlton Athletic. That’s according to journalist Richard Cawley, who had the latest on the situation this week.

Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, he wrote: “Odeluga Offiah set to sign for Preston North End. #cafc had also been interested in the defender. Believe it is a permanent transfer from Brighton rather than a loan.”

In other news, Charlton Athletic set for survival boost as Championship rivals face 'inevitable' points deduction.