QPR must let West Brom win transfer race - Julien Stephan has bigger fish to fry | OneFootball

QPR have to let West Brom win the race for one of their summer transfer targets, given Julien Stephan has bigger fish to prioritise in the market...

It is hardly surprising that Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion could find themselves competing for some of the same transfer targets this summer as they look to improve in 2026/27.

QPR finished 15th and West Brom 21st in the Championship last season. Given that there are teams with parachute payments competing with them, neither club possesses the financial firepower to simply outmuscle the rest of the Championship, meaning both are often forced to search in similar markets.

Whether it be undervalued talent from overseas, players looking to rebuild their careers domestically, or emerging prospects with room for growth, there is naturally going to be overlap between the recruitment strategies of the two clubs. Of course, it is especially true when both sides are attempting to strengthen squads capable of challenging in the top half of the division.

Competition for signatures is inevitable, but not every transfer battle is one that needs to be won. In fact, one reported target should probably be left to West Brom by QPR, with the pair said to be in the race to acquire him.

QPR should let West Brom sign Bamba Dieng with other transfer priorities

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According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, both West Brom and QPR have been linked to Bamba Dieng. The striker would undoubtedly be an exciting addition at Championship level, given the former Marseille forward has pedigree, power, athleticism, and the ability to provide a genuine threat in the final third.

For many clubs in the second tier, a player of his profile would represent a significant coup. The problem for QPR is not whether Dieng is a good player, but whether he addresses a genuine area of need. Looking at Julien Stephan's squad, the answer is arguably no.

QPR already possess an exciting collection of attacking talent. Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell provide serious pace and power, but also goalscoring potential through the middle, while Rayan Kolli remains one of the club's most promising young forwards.

Elsewhere, Ilias Chair, Kwame Poku, Koki Saito, Karamoko Dembele, Paul Smyth, and Harvey Vale offer plenty as a pool of options at the 45-year-old's disposal. They have creativity, flair, versatility, and decent output in advanced areas. Only 10 teams outscored his side last season.

However, only Sheffield Wednesday's 89 goals conceded beat QPR's 73, with Leicester City (68) and Oxford United (59) both relegated. There is a clear issue here and QPR's recruitment focus should be directed elsewhere away from the attack, with the opposite perhaps true for West Brom.

While not every player is guaranteed to fulfill their potential, there is little doubt that attacking options are among the strongest parts of the squad. Adding another forward into an already crowded department risks creating a surplus rather than solving a problem. The only way to add to that area is if someone is sold.

Simply put, the defensive unit still requires strengthening if the club are serious about pushing further up the Championship table. Depth across the backline remains a concern, while additional quality and competition could be required in several defensive positions.

What QPR's top transfer priority should be in the summer

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Goalkeeper is another area where reinforcement would make sense, particularly if Stephan wants greater reliability and depth over the course of a gruelling 46-game campaign. Neither Paul Nardi nor Joe Walsh performed particularly well, with a new 'keeper surely the club's priority in the summer.

Truthfully, Championship seasons are often decided by defensive solidity as much as attacking quality. QPR have enough exciting options capable of producing moments in the final third. What they need is a stronger platform behind them.

That is why allowing West Brom a clear run at Dieng could actually be the smarter move. The Baggies arguably have a greater need for attacking reinforcements and would likely benefit more from adding a player of his profile. Dieng is also likely to cost plenty in terms of wages and resources to acquire too.

For QPR, every pound spent this summer must be allocated carefully. Dieng may be an attractive opportunity, but recruitment is absolutely about balance rather than collecting talent for the sake of it. Strengthening the defence and goalkeeping department should take priority, even if that means stepping aside in a transfer race they could otherwise compete in.