This QPR teen reportedly rejected Spurs and Chelsea, and this is why I'd do the same
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Earlier this week, it was reported that QPR had handed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea a transfer blow in news that academy star Emmerson Sutton was set to sign a professional contract with the R's and continue his development at Loftus Road.
It was TBR Football that carried that story, claiming that Spurs and the Blues were just two of several Premier League sides monitoring the progress of the 17-year-old, who has been compared with former QPR star Eberechi Eze. Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton were all named as potential suitors.
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Hide AdHowever, Sutton will be continuing his development at QPR with that contract agreed this week. The West London club have pulled off impressive signings this month with Ronnie Edwards from Southampton, Yang Min-Hyeok from Spurs and -imminently - Harvey Vale from Chelsea, but it's perhaps the news surrounding Sutton that provides the most reason for excitement.
QPR turn to youngsters to change fortunes
Despite the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, there's an air of positivity hanging over Loftus Road. The start of the 2024/25 campaign seemed to suggest yet another relegation dogfight but a dramatic turn of results under Marti Cifuentes has 13th-placed QPR looking up, rather than down.
The R's have lost just two of their last 14 Championship fixtures, having won just one of their opening 16. Cifuentes' calmness and persistence has won over fans, and it seems to be turning the heads of players too.
The emergence of young players Kieran Morgan, Rayan Kolli and Alfie Lloyd into the first team appears to be making QPR a sought-after location for future stars to breakthrough, the chance to work under Cifuentes not to be scoffed at.
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Hide AdIt would not be any stretch to think that the trio's performances have aided in bringing in 21-year-olds Edwards and Vale, alongside 18-year-old Yang. Now, the highly thought of Sutton has shown his preference to stay at the second tier outfit rather than be tempted by the big boys of Spurs and Chelsea.
It's too early to put pressure on Sutton, who recently bagged a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against Arsenal and is hailed for his 'dribbling and defending' by the QPR website. The midfielder has also spent time on loan at local Southern League Premier South side Hanwell Town.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Hanwell Town's praise for Sutton certainly pointed to a youngster whose work ethic is the type that could well drive him to follow in the footsteps of Morgan, Kolli and Lloyd. Manager Chris Moore said: "While I am sorry to see Emmerson return to QPR as he is a fine young man who can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in the game.
“I am proud of how he has developed during his time at Hanwell. I know QPR have been delighted with his progress as well and recognise the Club as one that develops and improves young players. We thank them for the trust they placed in us with Emmerson's development."
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Hide AdMeanwhile, QPR CEO Christian Nourry told the R's official website: “Emmerson is a dangerous and exciting attacker whose level of physicality has much improved over the last six months, which owes a lot to his loan spell at Hanwell Town”
Credit has to be given to Cifuentes for his faith in young players. The introduction of Morgan has proved particularly vital this season and the teenager's promotion came amid injury woes and poor results. Rather than fear a lack of experience, the Catalan coach has turned to it.
Sam Field praises young QPR teammates
Since then the star, who was released by Tottenham Hotspur last summer and brought into the QPR Development Squad, has cemented a place in the starting XI and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. As a result, QPR wasted no time in offering the player a new long-term contract.
Speaking about Morgan at the start of the month, Cifuentes said: “He’s a player that I really like. That’s why he came with us during pre-season. He’s been showing a lot of good things.
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Hide Ad“We have to be a little bit careful and go step-by-step with him, but he’s playing the minutes that he deserves. He’s so smart, so mature. Now we need to take care of him.”
Speaking exclusively to LondonWorld via CopyBet, the official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers, midfielder Sam Field reflected on how the balance of Cifuenetes' squad is helping players develop. He said: "You've got to let Kieran be Kieran and he's shown that, credit to him. I don't think he'd have thought he'd play much for the first team this season. Credit to him, he's doing really well and showing that he's learning.
"For 18, he's got a lot of promise and potential and he works hard. If I'm a good role model for him.. that's up to him! Him and Alfie Lloyd, Daniel Bennie, Rayan Kolli, these young lads are a credit for stepping up to the plate. I'm sure as fans, that's what you want to see and as players we trust them on the pitch."
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With youngsters snapped up from Premier League outfits this month, Field admitted that putting faith in youth is the ideal long-term strategy for a football club. He said: "It's important. The manager has to trust you, first of all, so they have to show it in training. As players we have to trust them. You give them the opportunity, sink or swim, and they are swimming.
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Hide Ad"You want your academy players to come through, homegrown talent is what you want your club to be about. It's people who care about the club and want to be at the club."
Sutton ‘proud’ to sign professional contract at Loftus Road
QPR and Marti Cifuentes won’t be biting on any talk of a play-off push or thinking years ahead in the future, but there’s no doubting that the words shared by young Sutton this week when committing his future to the Championship side amid talk of Premier League interest is exciting for fans.
The midfielder said: “It’s a proud moment to finally say I’m a professional footballer. Now it’s about kicking on and doing all I can to show why I’ve been given this deal.
“QPR is home. Although I’m from south London, this has been a big part of my life and the people here have always been honest with me. I’m dedicated to giving back what the club has given to me.
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Hide Ad“Seeing players like Kieran Morgan, Alfie Lloyd and Rayan Kolli and their pathway gives me belief to be able to go and do what I can do. We’ve been so close and now they’re getting into the first team. That’s what the young players need – to be able to relate to someone and their pathway. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I will always give 100 percent.”
In other news, QPR’s Championship rivals Millwall are set to complete a Premier League coup of their own, beating Bristol City and Swansea City to the attacking midfielder.
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