QPR now have decision to make over 'brilliant' player as rivals express transfer interest

QPR have a big decision to make over one of their most talented young players. The Hoops have a big summer as they look to put a difficult few months behind them.

Julian Stephen is going to have to put his own stamp on this squad and get players to buy into his method following what was effectively the sacking of Marti Cifuentes. The players are said to have liked Cifuentes, but it’s also true that he was looking to take the West Brom job, so that factor should make the transition easier.

QPR secured their Championship status with a few games remaining last season, but they will want to be pushing towards mid-table and perhaps even the top half next season. New recruits will be brought in, and it’s likely competition will increase throughout the squad.

That could be a problem for some of the younger players, and one big question surrounds returning striker Charlie Kelman, who is coming off a superb loan spell with Leyton Orient. Kelman scored 21 goals in 46 league appearances for Orient last season, helping them to the play-off final where they ultimately lost to Charlton Athletic.

Kelman needs a step up, now 23 years of age, but whether it will come at QPR remains to be seen. Stephen will surely want to get a look at Kelman during pre-season, but according to journalist Darren Witcoop, West Brom are eyeing a possible deal for the striker. That interest could push QPR into an earlier decision this summer.

If Kelman believes he can get a move to another club, and perhaps one that is likely to compete for the playoffs, he may approach Stephen and QPR and ask about his role so that he can make the best decision for his career. Ultimately, while Stephen might want to see the striker in action, Kelman could easily point to his performances last season and feel he has done plenty to prove himself while out on loan.

What has been said about Kelman?

Kelman worked excellently under Orient boss Richie Wellens, who applied firm leadership to the striker last season. The Orient boss said after one game in April: “I’m pleased for Charlie in the end, but his first half was nowhere near acceptable. He is a goalscorer, but the basics of run, fight and press were not there first half.

“They were two brilliant finishes and his winner was an absolute worldie and I am pleased for him. Second half he was excellent. I have said it many times, I love him to bits. There is an unbelievable talent in there. But as soon as he lets things affect him he does not have the same performance levels. Our start was so poor tonight, but for the last 20-25 minutes of the first half I thought we were excellent.”

Now former QPR boss Cifuentes said of Kelman while the striker was impressing on loan: “When we send any player on loan the main target is that they can play, can develop and progress. That’s the case with him and it’s not just about the goals but the level of his performances has been very good. Hopefully he will finish the season very strongly, and we will decide what’s the next step with him.”

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