QPR star leaves Loftus Road as club ignores Marti Cifuentes warning

QPR are starting to move towards some clarity over what the 2025/26 campaign will look like in west London with confirmation of the club’s retained list this week.

There remain big questions over the future of head coach Marti Cifuentes and a potential successor, with former Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup the current frontrunner. Cifuentes remains on ‘gardening leave’ having been temporarily removed from his role prior to the final match of the Championship season.

One player who will not play under the tenure of Cifuentes, Thorup or another coach next season is Kenneth Paal. It has been confirmed that the defender will leave Loftus Road following the expiry of his contract this summer.

Kenneth Paal to leave QPR as free agent

The 27-year-old joined the club in June 2022 from PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands and has made 130 appearances for the R’s in all competitions. He has been a prominent figure under Cifuentes and a regular to take set plays - he has six goals across all his QPR outings.

Speaking to the club as his departure was confirmed, Paal said: “From day one, I enjoyed every moment. The people at the club as well as my team-mates helped me and my family, and I will always be thankful. There were tough moments but my time with QPR made me a better person and a better player.

“The fans have been unbelievable. I always felt their support at Loftus Road and at the away games, too. Even in the tough games and moments, they were there. I want to thank them for cheering my name. I had my own song at QPR, I have never had that before so thank you very much for everything you gave to me.”

CEO Christian Nourry added: “Ken’s a gentleman, someone who exudes calm and that has positively impacted other players throughout his time here. I’ve very much enjoyed watching him - technically, he’s delivered some marvellous moments in a QPR shirt. Whilst we are going our separate ways contractually, the Club will continue to support Ken in whatever way he wishes as he searches for his next adventure.”

Marti Cifuentes warns against free agent departure

With just one year left on his contract last summer, Paal had been linked with a transfer to Championship rivals Watford but, at the time, nothing came of those rumours. Paal will now be able to join a new club without a transfer fee being owed to QPR.

Cifuentes had explicitly warned the club to avoid that situation when speaking about the player’s future last summer. The Catalan coach said: “We as a club cannot afford to have players that are in the last year of their contract and still being an important asset for the club.

“So we need to find this balance between continuity and keeping good (financial) health. (Having) Said that, Ken is a very good player. I think he has been showing that since my arrival and I’m very happy with him.”

In other news, Charlton Athletic move for 'terrific' transfer after promotion as QPR star courted by Sheffield United.