QPR backed for striking fresh attacker deal - 'It's definitely the right decision" | OneFootball

The experienced striker has extended his stay at Loftus Road

After opening the new season in inconsistent fashion, things are starting to look extremely promising at Queens Park Rangers under Julien Stephan.

The French boss, who replaced Marti Cifuentes back in June, has overseen three consecutive Championship victories over Charlton Athletic, Wrexham and Stoke City, with his side responding to a previously embarrassing 7-1 defeat at Coventry City in extremely impressive fashion.

Since his appointment in W12, there has been a major squad overhaul, with the Hoops extremely active in the summer transfer window, landing significant coups such as Richard Kone, who has already showcased that he is more than capable of adjusting to life in the second tier after previously catching the eye of many at Wycombe Wanderers.

And, despite only being used by Stephan on one occasion in the league thus far, Rangers have continued what has been a positive spell of late by sealing a fresh contract agreement for experienced Swiss centre-forward, Michael Frey.

The 31-year-old has been at Loftus Road since January 2024, at a time when his all-round nous was pivotal in aiding a survival bid under the aforementioned Cifuentes, before enjoying a relatively strong first full campaign in English football last time out.

With this taken into account, Football League World's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, is pleased that an agreement has been reached between club and player, even if it is only a short-term extension.

Since his arrival in West London, Frey has found the back of the net 10 times and posted a further assist in just 41 appearances, with his return of eight second tier goals last term slightly hampered by fitness issues as 2024 drew to a close.

The former Swiss youth international made his return to action after an injury-hit pre-season with a 13-minute cameo in the recent away success at Wrexham, before being an unused substitute on Saturday against Stoke.

Regardless, Moir has very little complaints with Rangers' decision to extend Frey's stay at the club, just months after they triggered an initial extension.

"I'd imagine this new deal for Michael Frey is only a year extension," he said. "But, I've been a fan of his to be fair, I really like him.

"When he first joined, he clearly wasn't fit enough, hadn't played for quite a while and obviously, looked a bit of a 'donkey' up front. But, soon after, he transitioned and adapted well to the league.

"You can't forget he's been a goalscorer throughout his career," Moir stated. "A bit of pedigree playing for some big clubs. If it weren't for his fairly lengthy injury last season, I'd have been confident to say he'd have scored 15 goals, which isn't what we're used to with strikers in recent years.

"With Kone and Burrell coming in and doing well, he's probably that third option now. But, getting him back fully fit as an option in the squad to bring on, or even start in certain games (would be good). Finally this season, we've got that between him, Kone and Burrell, there's a dynamic mix between the three.

"Finally we've got some firepower up front," he continued. "We've got options, we've got depth. With Michael Frey in the squad fully fit, he gives you a lot. He'll definitely chip in with a few goals this season, and it's good to see the club have repaid his services as being top scorer last season and doing well overall.

"I think this is more than deserving for him," Moir claimed. "It's definitely the right decision.

"31 years of age, he's not going to be given a longer deal, so I presume it's only a year. To have his experience and calibre around the dressing room and this group of players is really important.

"To be fair, as good as Kone is, Burrell, they'll probably learn some things off Frey, so he's beneficial in that aspect.

"I like him. To have striker options of Kone, Frey and Burrell is really exciting and solid, finally, for what you need at this level."

Michael Frey will offer so much more than goals to Queens Park Rangers

As Moir alluded to, Frey's presence will be far greater than what occurs on matchdays, with the exciting duo of Kone and Burrell, who already have seven goal contributions between them, having a vastly experienced senior figure alongside them on the training ground, even if he doesn't start each and every game.

After his injury issues, the 6"1 forward will be keen to remind everyone of his goalscoring nous having ended up as top scorer last term, with CEO Christian Nourry also focusing on Frey's overall personality as a key reason behind the fresh agreement.

“His battling qualities, big heart, aerial ability and relentless pursuit of improving and bettering himself and others on the pitch will be in evidence again in the coming weeks and months," he said.

Despite previously splitting opinion among supporters, many will feel that this is an extremely smart move as the R's look to become a competitive outfit capable of potentially gatecrashing the play-off picture should their impressive recent form continue, especially with the variety of forward and creative options at Stephan's disposal.