QPR sent transfer boost amid Premier League development

QPR have been handed a boost in any pursuit of Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali this week after the player hinted at a summer transfer. The news comes as a return of Asmir Begovic to Loftus Road looks increasingly unlikely, with the veteran linked with a Premier League deal.

The R's had been linked with a move for Nwabali earlier this year after the shot-stopper impressed for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations. Nwabali played every minute of the campaign as he helped his national side to the final, only to lose to hosts Ivory Coast.

A move didn't materialise over the winter as the 27-year-old stayed put with Chippa United in South Africa. Now that the season has ended, with Nwabali managing 11 clean sheets in 26 league outings, the player has shared his desire to find a new challenge.

Quoted in Soccernet.ng, Nwabali said: Well, everyone would love to leave because when you are in some position, you need to grow.

“Like everyone in my position would like to grow more. I’m talking about clubs higher than this [bigger than Chippa United] because I have been giving my all to my club this season. I just wish to have another challenge at some other place.”

That statement could catch the interest of QPR, if the Championship side have indeed been monitoring the AFCON star. Marti Cifuentes is in need of a new number one with Begovic's contract having come to an end and Joe Walsh only earning his first league start on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign.

The experienced Begovic had come under fire from some QPR supporters at times this season but always retained the backing of Cifuentes. Since his one-year deal has expired at Loftus Road, the 36-year-old has been linked with a move to former Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, as well as Scottish giants Celtic.