Outstanding ex QPR loan star available on free transfer after Norwich City release

The former QPR loanee has already sparked interest following his departure from Norwich City.

Former QPR star Sam McCallum is available on a free transfer this summer after leaving Championship club Norwich City at the conclusion of his contract. This season, the 23-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Canaries, coming on as a substitute in both legs of the play-off semi-final against Leeds United this month.

The defender has made 108 Championship games in recent years and is a familiar sight with R’s followers.

McCallum spent the 2021-22 season on loan at QPR from Norwich City, appearing 19 times for the London club. Despite suffering from an injury that season, the defender was popular at the club and won the Young Player of the Year award.

The player scored two goals for QPR, the first coming in a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth. McCallum stood out in that encounter and was lauded as ‘underrated’ and ‘amazing’ by fans online after the game, despite the loss.

Norwich City confirmed the full-back’s release via social media on Monday afternoon, with club supporters calling the decision ‘unfathomable’ and’surprising’. Meanwhile, some Rangers fans expressed their wish for the former loanee to return to Loftus Road.

Marti Cifuentes could try to reinforce at left-back this summer and give competition for Kenneth Paal, but any interest in McCallum on a free transfer would most certainly have to be rapid. According to The Pink Un, Championship rivals Stoke City are reportedly a ‘potential destination’ for the defender.

Speaking in March, McCallum claimed that negotiations had taken place between himself and Norwich City, implying that the club was interested in keeping him. Speaking after the victory over Plymouth Argyle, the player stated: “There have been conversations, but nothing has been agreed upon yet. There are always contracts to play for, and I am nearing the conclusion of mine. It’s clearly there, but we only have seven games left, so the contract is unlikely to be a priority right now. The concentration is solely on making the playoffs.

“I’ve got this run of games coming up, and I’ve had the Stoke game, so I believe I can show what I’ve got. It’s unfortunate that Dimi [Giannoulis] is unavailable right now since we have a lot of games coming up and need all of the guys we can get. Personally, I just have to take one game at a time and go on from there.