Ex QPR youngster lands 'head-turning' Saudi Arabia transfer

Former QPR youngster Samuel Sackey has completed a head turning move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh, one year after he was released from Loftus Road.

The 20-year-old never made a senior appearance for the R’s but had been with the club since the age of 13, working his way up through the academy. Sackey had been on trial at Arsenal as a kid but was picked up by QPR.

While in west London, he described his strengths when talking to the club website. He said: “My strengths are driving at players and bringing the team forward. I'm very skilful, so I like to showboat here and there. However, I would say that I need to work on having less touches at times.”

Ex QPR youngster lands Saudi move

Sackey also named Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar as his idols and has now followed in their footsteps in making the move to Saudi Arabia. However, rather than moving in the twilight years of his career, he has signed for Al-Riyadh as a 20 year old.

The club announced the player’s arrival on social media last week, labelling the midfielder as ‘the pride of Riyadh’. The former QPR man will work under new Al-Riyadh manager Javier Calleja, who has previously worked at Villarreal, Alaves and Levante.

Sackey’s teammates will include former QPR and Brentford defender Yoann Barbet. The 32-year-old joined Al-Riyadh last year and has made 30 Saudi Pro League appearances. Barbet spent four years with Brentford between 2015 and 2019 before a three year stay at QPR.

Samuel Sackey released by QPR in 2024

Sackey’s departure from QPR was confirmed by the club in 2024 as part of the released list following that campaign. A club statement read: “As preparations for the future continue at QPR, the club will be releasing ten players from the Development Squad when their contracts expire on June 30th.

“Goalkeeper Harry Cant, defenders Arkell Jude-Boyd, Trent Rendall and Deon Woodman, midfielder Samuel Sackey and forwards Hamzad Kargbo, Nathan Jeche, Micah Anthony, Joseph Ajose and Rafferty Pedder will all be moving on.”

At the time, CEO Christian Nourry said: “Actions of this nature are tough, especially when you have a number of players who have been with the club for a considerable period of time.

"However, it is important such decisions are made, not only for the club but also to give the departing players the best chance of fulfilling their careers elsewhere. On behalf of QPR, I would like to sincerely thank them all for their efforts whilst with us and we wish them every success for the future.”

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