QPR should capitalise on Southampton decision and make transfer swoop | OneFootball

QPR should potentially look at adding a recently released Championship midfielder to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 league campaign.

QPR will be looking to push in the right direction next season in the second tier, and it could be an interesting summer ahead in West London.

They finished 15th in the Championship in the 2025/26 season, with a disappointing run of results towards the end of the season making for frustrating viewing.

The Hoops are set for their 12th consecutive season in the Championship, and the club's supporters will be eager to see their side making a push for a top six finish this season, which isn't the most unrealistic of expectation to have, especially when they've been in the second-tier for a good amount of time.

The club have already revealed that Isaac Hayden will depart when his contract reaches a conclusion at the end of June, and the centre of midfield is an area that QPR should look at adding strength in depth at the earliest of opportunities.

There are plenty of options likely to be available to Julien Stéphan this summer, which includes some free-agents that are set to become available in the near future.

Will Smallbone should be on QPR's transfer radar

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Southampton have recently revealed that Will Smallbone will leave the club when his contract expires, and he's likely to have plenty of potential suitors heading towards the new season.

The midfielder had come through Southampton's youth ranks to feature regularly for the first-team over the years, and it was somewhat surprising to see him leaving the club this summer.

However, he clearly didn't feature in Tonda Eckert's plans with Southampton, especially when he spent the 2025/26 season on loan with fellow Championship side, Millwall, who narrowly missed out on promotion into the Premier League after a defeat to Hull City in their play-off semi-final.

Smallbone's time with Millwall was disrupted with injuries, which could be one of the main reasons as to why Southampton have opted to move him on.

Part of the reason might also be how Smallbone largely underwhelmed in his 333 minutes. Per FotMob, he struggled in duels and didn't create much from a central role. That being said, his long ball accuracy impressed, as did other aspects of his game - he ranked amongst the top midfielders for defensive actions per 90, as well as tackles and winning possession in the final third.

In Southampton's promotion-winning campaign of 2023/24, Smallbone should his quality in possession, indicating it might not be his skillset, but more the style of play that dictates his influence on the ball. He scored in their play-off semi-final win over West Brom and assisted Adam Armstrong at Wembley against Leeds United in the final.

QPR would be getting someone who can make them tick, if they want to play a fluid possession game.

Southampton's loss could be QPR's gain

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Southampton have certainly taken a bit of a gamble in releasing Smallbone on a free this summer, especially when he's still only 26, and could still have his best years ahead of him in professional football.

The midfielder will be looking to have his future resolved in the near future, as a full pre-season would certainly be beneficial to Smallbone, who has had some injury problems of late.

It's worth the gamble for QPR though, especially when they could benefit from adding depth to their midfield options with Isaac Hayden departing the club in June. Smallbone would be a risk-free signing as a free-agent, and given his experience in the Championship, it should be a no-brainer for QPR to pursue a deal for the Irish international.

QPR have plenty of exciting players in their squad, and if Julien Stéphan can get the best out of them, then the Hoops could be in with a serious chance of a play-off push.

However, further additions are needed this summer, and even if they're not willing to spend a considerable amount on Championship quality players, there's still plenty of alternative options at a cheaper price.

Smallbone falls into that category, and he'll want to prove himself on a regular basis in the second tier. He's also featured for Southampton in the Premier League earlier in his career, and so it's clear to see he's a player that has real quality.

However, it's unlikely that QPR would be alone if they were to target a deal for Smallbone, and so it's hugely important that they push ahead and make their move for the 26-year-old, as it would be a real statement of intent by the Hoops if they were to strike an agreement to land his services this summer.