This summer, QPR could try to sign five players on free transfers. The R’s appeared set for relegation at the start of the season, but they can now start to climb the ladder as they strive to rebuild under Cifuentes.
The Spaniard has done wonders for the West London club, and there is hope that under his leadership, they will strive to finish in the top half of the table next season.
QPR, on the other hand, has one of the Championship’s oldest rosters and will need to recruit wisely if they want to compete next season.
The club is still constrained by financial concerns, and they may need to look to the free agency market for value.
With that in mind, we look at five free agents who may join QPR this summer.
Paddy McNair
Middlesbrough had a poor season, narrowly losing out on promotion, and they will rebuild this summer in an attempt to return to the Premier League.
Paddy McNair, whose contract expires this summer, is among several who are expected to go.
The Northern Irish centre-back leaves Middlesbrough after six and a half years, despite an injury-plagued season. He has been an important player for the Teessiders since joining from Sunderland.
QPR are looking for a centre-back, particularly if Jake Clarke-Salter goes, and they could do a lot worse than sign McNair, who was named Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year in 2021 and has plenty of Championship experience.
Tyrese Campbell
QPR have struggled for goals this season, with Ilias Chair and Lyndon Dykes topping the scoring lists with seven goals each.
As a result, the Rs are looking for a striker and could turn to Tyrese Campbell to help them with their attacking issues.
Campbell has struggled with injuries but finished the season in fine form, demonstrating promise since getting into Stoke City’s first squad in 2019.
If he can recover the form he showed at times during his Stoke career, he’ll be an asset to QPR’s squad.
Cameron Dawson
Asmir Begovic had a solid season between the sticks for QPR, but at 36 years old, he is nearing the end of his career, and Jordan Archer’s departure has been announced.
Cameron Dawson of Sheffield Wednesday was overshadowed by James Beadle, who joined the club on loan from Brighton in January.
The former number one has been unable to regain his place in the team, and with Sheffield Wednesday looking to re-sign Beadle next season, Dawson is certain to leave when his contract expires this summer.
Dawson would be an excellent acquisition to QPR, most likely as Cifuentes’ backup to take Archer’s job and give competition for Begovic’s replacement.
Ivan Sunjic
Birmingham City, who have been relegated to League One for the first time since 1995, are expected to lose a large number of players this summer.
Croatian midfielder Ivan Sunjic is among those who will leave, as his contract is not set to be renewed ahead of next season.
The 27-year-old was loaned out to Hertha Berlin last season, but has largely been a fixture in Birmingham’s squad since his arrival in 2019.
He is in his peak years and has lots of Championship experience, which adds depth to QPR’s midfield, especially while rumours over Chair and Chris Willock’s futures persist.
Louie Sibley
Louie Sibley has long been linked with a transfer away from Derby County.
However, with his contract expiring this summer, he might become a free agent, as Derby has yet to reach an agreement with the midfielder.
Sibley is a fantastic young talent, and QPR will not be the only club interested in signing him if he decides to leave Derby. But if they are serious about moving forward under Cifuentes, Sibley would be a clear statement of intent.
QPR will be active this summer as they aim to rebuild their roster for next season, and signing any of these five players on free would be good business and create the groundwork for a successful campaign.
