'Outstanding' ex QPR loan star available on free transfer after Norwich City release

Former QPR star Sam McCallum is available on a free transfer this summer having left Championship side Norwich City at the end of his contract.

The 23-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Canaries this term, coming off the bench in both of the play-off semi-final legs against Leeds United this month. The defender has racked up 108 Championship appearances in recent years and is a familiar face to R's supporters.

McCallum spent the 2021/22 season on loan at QPR from Norwich City, playing 19 times for the London outfit. The defender was well-liked at the club, earning the Young Player of the Year Award despite battling injury that campaign.

The player scored two goals for QPR, his first coming in a 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth. McCallum stood out in that match and was hailed as 'underrated' and 'outstanding' by fans online after full-time, despite the loss.

Norwich City confirmed the full-back's release on social media on Monday afternoon with supporters of the club questioning the decision as 'unfathomable' and 'surprising'. Meanwhile, some R's fans shared their desire for the former loan star to return to Loftus Road.

Marti Cifuentes could look to strengthen at left-back this summer and provide competition for Kenneth Paal, but any interest in McCallum on a free transfer would likely have to happen quickly. The Pink Un reports that Championship rivals Stoke City are already a 'possible destination' for the defender.

Speaking in March, McCallum had confirmed that talks had taken place between himself and Norwich City, suggesting the club may have been keen to retain his services. Speaking after victory over Plymouth Argyle, the player said: "There's been talks but we've not agreed anything yet. There are always contracts to play for, and I'm coming to the end of mine. It's obviously there, but we have seven games left, so the focus is probably not on the contract at the moment. The focus is just on getting into the play-offs. 

"I've got this run of games coming now, and I've had the Stoke game, and I feel like I can show what I've got. It's a shame that Dimi [Giannoulis] is out now because we've got a lot of games coming up and we need all the players that we can get. Personally, I just have to take one game at a time and kick on from there."