QPR tipped to cash in on rarely-used player in January transfer window - It "would be a shame" | OneFootball

Rayan Kolli has slipped down the pecking order at Loftus Road despite being on a long-term contract

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

It has been a largely positive opening two months of the 2025/26 season for those connected to Queens Park Rangers, with the club looking to make strides of progress under the management of Julien Stephan.

After somewhat stabilising under the guidance of current Leicester City boss, Marti Cifuentes, amid fears of a potential relegation to League One for the first time since 2004, Rangers supporters are starting to look upwards once again after years of uncertainty and a largely downward trajectory.

Stephan moved to Loftus Road with strong pedigree in his home country, having enjoyed success at both Rennes - over two spells - and RC Strasbourg of Ligue 1, which included a first venture into the UEFA Champions League for the former of those clubs, where he would also oversee the development of some high-profile stars such as Desire Doue and recent Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé - both currently of PSG.

Such fortunes could play out in the future if the opening weeks of his W12 tenure are anything to go by, with several talented and experienced individuals flourishing in West London under the 45-year-old.

That, of course, cannot be said for each of Stephan's players, though. And, with the January transfer window now just under two months away, Football League World asked our resident QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, which one of those the club could look to cash in on.

As such, Moir identified 20-year-old striker, Rayan Kolli, as a player who could be moved on by the Hoops when January comes around.

Our fan pundit had previously identified the academy graduate as a player who could benefit from a temporary exit at the turn of the year to enhance his development.

However, due to him penning a long-term contract back in January, it is believed that Kolli could still make the club a fair amount of 'pure profit' despite seeing his gametime significantly reduced.

"I could potentially see Rayan Kolli leaving," Louis told FLW.

"It would be a shame, because he's a youngster that clearly has a lot of talent, but we just haven't seen it yet.

"With the attacking quality and depth we've got, it's going to be really difficult for him to find a way into this team. When everyone's fit, as well, you could argue if he even makes the bench with (Ilias) Chair and (Kwame) Poku back fit and available for selection.

"I really can't see a place in the squad, even up front, and I don't really class him as a striker," Moir explained.

"Up there we've got (Richard) Kone and (Rumarn) Burrell doing wonders and (Michael) Frey as well. It's just difficult.

"With Kolli signing a long-term contract, it's enabled us to get a fair bit of money for him if there's interest. I think there's always been interest from clubs abroad.

"Maybe, the best time to move him on would be the summer. But, if there's interest again come January, then I can see something happening.

"Realistically, would he go out on loan? I'm not so sure," Louis debated.

"If the money's there, it's going to be hard to turn that down for a player who, yes, has been at the club for years and was the next 'big youth talent'. But, if he's not getting game-time, that talent has to be developed and nurtured somewhere else.

"That won't be with us because of the players we've got upfront and out wide and in the '10'," Moir claimed.

"It's one to keep an eye on, because there's been rumours about him having interest from big European clubs. I could see the club cashing in on Kolli if the money is good enough."

Rayan Kolli departure from QPR could benefit all parties

As Moir alluded to, it would be a shame for Rangers supporters to not see another homegrown talent fully showcase their potential and ability at Loftus Road.

Therefore, a sale has to be debated, especially with clubs looking to add significant funds wherever possible due to the sport's current climate.

Kolli made 20 league appearances last season and registered a rather impressive tally of four strikes. But, largely due to the form of attacking and creative counterparts such as Kone, Burrell, Koki Saito and Harvey Vale, the Algerian youth international has only made one start so far this term.

Clubs such as French giants, LOSC Lille and unnamed Saudi Arabian sides were reportedly showcasing interest in Kolli earlier in the year, before links of a reunion with Cifuentes at the King Power Stadium surfaced in the final days of the summer window.

This proves that Kolli is very much highly-rated. But, in order to maintain said tag, a move away from QPR may benefit all parties, none more so than himself and his overall development.