QPR and Charlton Athletic compete to sign Premier League 'beast'

QPR and Charlton Athletic have both been credited with interest in Brighton talent Odeluga Offiah this summer as the London duo prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.

At 22 years old, Offiah is still somewhat of a rising star at the Amex Stadium but has been blooded fully at Premier League level. The player spent last season on loan in League One at Blackpool and was a prominent figure for the Tangerines.

The defender, who can play both in a central centre-back role and at right back, made 45 appearances across all competitions for the club. He scored his only goal in a 3-0 win over Burton Albion in September.

QPR and Charlton Athletic linked with Brighton defender

Offiah is now due to return to Brighton but, according to journalist Richard Cawley via his Substack, could be destined to take his football to the Championship with QPR and Charlton Athletic also interested. While a move down from the top flight, it would mark a level up in quality from the third tier football of his past campaign.

It is unlikely that the player will impact Fabian Hurzeler’s first team plans on the south coast. 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."

Jimmy Dunne and Thierry Small updates

Both Charlton Athletic and QPR could benefit from the signing of Offiah, needing to recruit in the full-back position this summer. The R’s are expecting to see mainstay Jimmy Dunne leave as a free agent following the conclusion of his contract.

The west London outfit has confirmed that they are ‘in discussions’ with the player over an extension but Dunne has not been short of transfer interest and has been linked with a move to Sheffield United. QPR are believed to have rejected a bid for the 27-year-old from the Blades in January.

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic had hoped to see former Everton and Southampton main Thierry Small extend his stay at The Valley but the 20-year-old has instead jumped ship to Preston North End following the Addick’s League One play-off final triumph.

In other news, Charlton Athletic eye swoop for Sheffield Wednesday ace amid Owls financial woes - Nathan Jones knows him well.