QPR beat Blackburn Rovers to transfer & deploy ex-Chelsea man in starting XI next season if rumours are true

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes spoke of plans to sit down with CEO Christian Nourry in the coming weeks following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Easter Monday.

The R’s have avoided relegation and attention is starting to turn towards next term, with the Catalan boss admitting that he would love to give the Loftus Road faithful something more than a battle to survive in the division.

Unlike Premier League sides, transfer rumours around the Championship remain relatively quiet until the opening of the window but LondonWorld looks at what is out that for QPR and how the side could line-up next season.

Goalkeeper and defence

Goalkeeper: Paul Nardi

Defenders: Esquerdinha, Steve Cook, Jake Clarke-Salter, Harrison Ashby

Paul Nardi has enjoyed a decent first season between the sticks for QPR, earning praise back home in France for how he has adapted to the Championship. Captain Steve Cook remains a stoic option at centre-back when fit and there will be hopes that Jake Clarke-Salter can stay injury free next season - the defender was being linked with a move to the Premier League this time last year.

Cifuentes could need somewhat of a rebuild at the back with Jimmy Dunne out of contract and not short of suitors, while Morgan Fox has also been linked with a move to a Championship rival. Brazilian full-back Esquerdinha was signed by the club in February - he’s been with the Development Squad but comes with huge potential, having also been monitored by Barcelona, and his first team call-up is just a matter of time.

The left-back position could be somewhat of a sticky situation with Kenneth Paal reportedly out of contract come the end of the campaign. The defender was linked with a move to Watford last season and there’s a feeling he could depart. Newcastle United loanee Harrison Ashby put in his best performance of the season in that position against Swansea City. The former West Ham man is due to return to the North East this summer but won’t be part of Eddie Howe’s immediate plans, which will give QPR the chance to re-open negotiations on a potential return.

Midfielders: Harvey Vale, Jonathan Varane, Jaylan Pearman

Injuries to Sam Field and Jonathan Varane have left Cifuentes short in the centre of the park towards the end of the season. Ronnie Edwards has been pushed up from defence and looked fantastic, but it’s almost impossible to see Southampton wanting to be without him for their second tier campaign next term.

Harvey Vale was recruited form Chelsea in January but hasn’t been able to play due to injury. He could play a big role next term and sit alongside Varane - although Field and Kieran Morgan will want a look-in too. Jaylan Pearman has agreed a pre-contract deal with QPR to move from Perth Glory - the 18-year-old has been sensational Down Under recently.

Forward line

Wingers: Ilias Chair, Charlie Kelman

Striker: Oskar Zawada

Ilias Chair has been sorely missed when injured this season. Kader Dembele and Koki Saito remain exciting options on the flanks but are still adjusting to the Championship a little. Charlie Kelman has stunned on loan at Leyton Orient this term and is the League One top scorer with 21 goals. He is thought to be out of contract at Loftus Road in 2026 but can play across the front three and surely has a part to play next season.

QPR signed Zan Celar from FC Lugano last summer, hoping that the Solvenian could lead the line this term. The 26-year-old scored 21 goals in Switzerland last term but has just two in his first 22 R’s outings. Michael Frey has been reliable but, at 30 years old, perhaps isn’t the future for the club.

Rising star Rayan Kolli has been linked with a sensational move to Saudi Arabia or France at just 20 years old and Alfie Lloyd still has some developing to do. SoccerNews claims that Cifuentes is eyeing a move for RKC Waalwijk bagsman Oskar Zawada, but there’s competition from Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United.

In other news, Millwall set for Hibernian transfer race as Marti Cifuentes outlines QPR summer transfer plans.