Claim made on Sam Field situation at QPR - "He'll be frustrated" | OneFootball

FLW's Hoops fan pundit has weighed in on the midfielder's January transfer window prospects

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…

For several seasons, Sam Field has been one of the constants at Queens Park Rangers.

Signed permanently in 2021 after an initial loan spell from West Bromwich Albion, the midfielder became a regular fixture during a period in which the club often leaned on reliability and experience over stylistic ambition.

Field’s availability, discipline and willingness to shoulder defensive responsibility made him a dependable option across multiple managerial regimes.

That familiarity has made his reduced role during the 2025/26 campaign a notable talking point among supporters.

At 27, Field should theoretically be at the height of his powers, yet his involvement for the Hoops has been intermittent. When he has featured, it has frequently been away from his natural position, filling in at left-back rather than operating as a holding midfielder.

While his versatility has been useful in certain contexts, it has also underlined a broader shift in how QPR now approach games.

Under Julien Stephan, Rangers are attempting to move towards a more proactive, possession-based style.

That change has been reflected most clearly in midfield, where the pairing of Jonathan Varane and Nicolas Madsen has become the preferred option. Their ability to control tempo, progress the ball and support attacks has brought a different dynamic to QPR’s play, particularly during the club’s stronger spells this season.

As a result, Field’s role has become more situational. His strengths remain clear, but they are not always aligned with the demands of a system that prioritises ball dominance and attacking fluidity.

With QPR sitting within reach of the play-off places, the balance between continuity and evolution has become a central theme of the campaign.

Sam Field’s QPR future debated amid reduced role under Julien Stephan

The context has inevitably prompted discussion about Field’s longer-term future at Loftus Road.

Having signed a new contract earlier this year, and with a significant number of appearances behind him, he represents both an experienced squad member and a potential asset should the club look to reshape further.

Football League World spoke to QPR fan pundit Louis Moir to assess whether Field’s reduced game-time has been surprising - and whether a move away from the club could be on the near horizon in January.

“I don't think, despite Field not playing a lot this season, I just can't see him leaving in January,” Moir told FLW.

“Potentially something could happen with him in the summer because any player is going to be disappointed with not playing when they've been used to playing for the club for a long time now, and he's been a consistent player in that respect.

“I just think I'm not really surprised that he's not playing because under this manager, you can see what we're trying to do, the way we're trying to play.

“And when you've got Madsen and Varane, who, a lot of the time, are controlling games and being dominant and there's a real good connection there - and Sam Field is just not on that level.

“He's decent and, to be fair, like he's decent at doing a job when he needs to come in and, say, he's done that at left back a few times away from home this season - and maybe he's good to bring on in certain games.

“I think because we've been so used to being a bang average, below par side over the last few years, we've had players like that who are decent when you're sort of struggling, and now we're looking to progress, play better football. He's just not on par when it comes to Madsen, Varane et cetera.

“So, look, he'll be frustrated. I think after signing a new deal as well, he'll be looking at the situation and come to summer thinking he might end up leaving, which would not be the worst thing, because obviously, we'd get money for him.

“I just think leaving in January would be way too soon and, look, he's still part of the squad. He's still on the bench every week. So, it's just one of these situations where a different manager, different style of playing, his time has sort of come to an end in that respect.

“So not surprised, at all. 
And yeah, can certainly see something in the summer now with him potentially departing the club.”

Sam Field may struggle to regain a regular starting place at QPR

There is a new reality at QPR this season: the club’s ambitions and stylistic direction are beginning to place clearer limits on who fits where.

Field’s situation is less about form or commitment and more about profile. In a midfield increasingly built around control and progression, his attributes are no longer automatically prioritised, even if they remain useful in specific circumstances.

That does not mean Field has become redundant. His continued presence on the Hoops' bench, his deployment in defensive roles away from home and his experience within the squad suggest he is still trusted as a contributor.

Over a long Championship season, players of his type often retain value when games become more attritional or when tactical pragmatism is required.

However, as Moir notes, frustration is an inevitable consequence of reduced involvement, particularly for a player who has been a regular starter for much of his time at the club.

With Field having recently committed his future to QPR, the timing of any decision feels significant.

A January departure would appear unlikely given squad depth and the uncertainty of the second half of the season, but the summer may present a more natural point for reflection on both sides.

That could mean an opportunity to generate funds and continue reshaping the squad in line with Stephan’s vision. For the player, it may offer the chance to re-establish himself as a consistent starter in a system better suited to his strengths.