Barnsley and Gillingham in race to sign QPR player who Julien Stephan doesn't fancy | OneFootball

Barnsley are keen on a deal to bring Ziyad Larkeche back to the club but face competition from a number of suitors

Barnsley are keen to bring Ziyad Larkeche back to the club on loan from QPR before the transfer market shuts.

According to West London Sport, the League One side wants to sign the defender ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Larkeche previously spent time on loan at Oakwell Stadium during his time with Fulham, making the move in the 2022 summer transfer window following the Cottagers’ promotion to the Premier League.

The left-back made 18 appearances for the Tykes, including five assists, as they finished fourth in the third division table.

However, he was released by the London outfit upon the end of his loan spell, which led to him signing for QPR.

The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Loftus Road under Julien Stéphan, and could now depart the club before the end of the market next week.

Barnsley eye QPR loan deal for Ziyad Larkeche

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It’s believed that Barnsley are keen on signing Larkeche again before the end of the summer transfer window.

The League One side are seeking a loan deal for the defender, who is not currently a part of Stéphan’s plans for the London outfit.

The Tykes are facing competition from the newly-promoted Bromley, who are hoping to build a team capable of surviving at this level beyond one season.

Former QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth is also keen on a reunion with Larkeche, but it’s understood that it’s unlikely the player will want to drop down to League Two to join Gillingham.

French clubs Annecy, Rodez and Guingamp are also all in the running to sign the 23-year-old on loan.

Larkeche joined Dundee on loan in 2024/25, where he made 27 league appearances as the team finished 10th in the table.

Ziyad Larkeche’s underwhelming QPR career

Larkeche’s last game for QPR came in a 3-0 defeat to Hull City on 13 April 2024, and his last start was in an FA Cup third round loss to Bournemouth earlier that year.

The defender didn’t play a single minute of the 2025/26 campaign, with Stéphan’s side finishing 15th in the Championship table.

The Frenchman signed a new deal with QPR last June following his return from Dundee, but has not been able to break back into the first team squad.

This has opened the door for his potential exit, with the Hoops ready to sanction a departure in the final days of the transfer window.

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Ziyad Larkeche exit is best for all parties

QPR won’t have any preferences for what Larkeche does next provided he moves somewhere that will give him regular game time.

The only way that the defender’s market value will improve enough to be able to sell him permanently is if he impresses elsewhere while out on loan.

It’s clear that he is not in Stéphan’s plans, and there is no use in keeping him around for another year if that is the case.

A return to Barnsley could make some sense given he already knows the club, but perhaps a move to his native France might help get the best out of him instead.