Result means QPR have moved closer to £12m payday to fund new manager's transfers

Eberechi Eze is the player QPR always knew he was. The Hoops signed Eze as a youngster from Millwall, and he went on to make 104 league appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals along the way.

Even as a youngster, Eze always looked like a class act. Raw at times, yes, but he always showed that he had that something special, something that would take him far beyond the Championship.

Since then, Eze has taken the Premier League in his stride and become an England international. On Saturday, he won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace - the first major trophy and European qualification in the club’s history. Eze scored the all-important match-winner, installing himself in Palace history.

He said after the game: "I couldn't breathe! City keep the ball so well, you have to work so hard to get anything from them. When you get in their box you have to make the chance count. I've come a long way. To be in this position now - it's hard to use the right words here."

He added: "This is special, I don't even know what to say. Thank God, only God could do this. Facing the team that's been the best in the world for years, to show that type of spirit and energy... only God."

What comes next remains to be seen. The 27-year-old is under contract until 2027, but with Palace usually selling a high-profile player each summer, he is a leading candidate. The Eagles are better positioned to keep their stars now that they have won a trophy and qualified for Europe, adding financial security in the process, but they may still accept a big offer for one of their key stars.

Marc Guehi and Eze are undoubtedly the leading candidates, and after another stellar season culminating in scoring the FA Cup winner, Eze is surely a player top clubs are going to consider paying big money for. It’s reported an asking price of at least £60million would be on the table should a club come sniffing for Eze.

That could be great news for QPR as they prepare to appoint a new manager for next season, likely offering up money for that manager to put his own stamp on his squad. The Hoops have a sell-on clause worth 20% in the Eze deal, as detailed by Sky Sports at the time of the deal in 2020.

That would bag QPR a cool £12million if Eze goes for £60million this summer, and that is now a more likely scenario after the cup final.

QPR contract extension

Ahead of the summer, QPR have extended the contract of Michael Frey after he finished the season as the club’s top scorer. QPR CEO Christian Nourry said of the move: “Michi has demonstrated this season that he is more than a handful for Championship defences.

“Eighteen months into his time at QPR, we have watched him settle into London and this league. He is a player with immense determination and an infectious drive, and we appreciate all his efforts so far.”

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