Exclusive: Sky pundit makes QPR transfer claim - Hoops sent Norwich City 24/25 warning | OneFootball

Don Goodman has exclusively spoken with FLW to discuss QPR's remaining transfer needs this summer.

Queens Park Rangers' new-look attack of Richard Kone, Ilias Chair, Kwame Poku and Karamoko Dembélé will certainly scare defenders, but the R's have been urged to sort out their own backline.

Kone arrives in West London from Wycombe Wanderers for an undisclosed fee, in what is another eyebrow-raising piece of business by the R's this summer.

The Ivorian scored 18 league goals in the third-tier last season, which saw him earn both the division's Player and Young Player of the Season awards.

However, his new side conceded 63 goals in the Championship last season, and have been poised to put up similar numbers again this term if new signings aren't made.

Don Goodman makes QPR transfer claim following Richard Kone deal

Speaking exclusively to FLW, former Wolves and West Brom striker - among others - Don Goodman claims QPR have assembled one of the Championship's most exciting forward lines, but it could be undermined by a poor defence.

"That forward line that Queens Park Rangers have assembled does look really good on paper," Goodman told FLW.

"Obviously, Kone and Poku have to prove themselves at the level - Championship level. But yes, certainly they didn’t score enough goals last season, just 53 which was nowhere near enough," he added.

24-year-old Ghanaian winger, Kwame Poku, chose Loftus Road despite reported interest from clubs with bigger budgets.

For Peterborough United, Poku had an impressive record for a wide player - scoring 30 goals and 29 assists in 147 appearances in all competitions over a four-year spell with Posh.

The R's defence could land them in trouble according to Goodman - Norwich City warning sent to Hoops

Goodman drew particular attention to QPR's defensive record from the 24/25 campaign, telling FLW, "But they had a goal difference of minus 10 because they conceded lots at the other end.

"So, they do need defensive strengthening. I would say would be a massive priority before the window shuts."

The Sky Sports pundit's most telling warning came through comparisons with Norwich City last season, where the Canaries outscored everyone bar Leeds United but leaked goals at the other end.

"Otherwise they may end up a bit like a Norwich City last season who were only outscored by Leeds United. Norwich got 71 goals but conceded a whopping 68 and QPR won’t want that to happen," Goodman concluded.

His reference to Norwich is perhaps a stark reminder of why a Championship side needs to be balanced all over the pitch - given the Norfolk side finished 13th with arguably two of the best attackers in the league last year in Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent.

QPR could be vulnerable at the back

Having signed a new contract at the end of June, left-back Ziyad Larkeche is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an ACL injury in training.

19-year-old Esquerdinha - who signed for the R's development squad in February this year - started the opening game of the season v Preston on the left side of defence, but he was replaced with just shy of 20 minutes to go in the game that would end in a 1-1 draw.

The age of their starting centre-backs against Preston were 22 (Liam Morrison) and 23 (Amadou Mbengue).

This does suggest Goodman's warning about defensive reinforcement could ring true if more aren't signed, because they had Steve Cook (34) and 19-year-old Noah McCann as backups on the bench.

With the transfer window still open, QPR do have time to address any possible defensive concerns they might have. The attacking talent is undoubtedly there, but injuries and inexperience at the back could negatively impact any hopes of a really good season.