Football League World
·6 October 2024
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·6 October 2024
FLW takes a look at three players QPR could consider signing on a free transfer this month.
Queens Park Rangers have not quite made the start that they would have hoped for in the Championship this season, and boss Marti Cifuentes may consider taking a look at the free agent market in search of a player who could strengthen his squad.
The Rs enjoyed a resurgence last season following the appointment of Cifuentes to replace Gareth Ainsworth, with the Spaniard guiding the club away from the bottom three and ensuring that they would be playing in the second tier for another season.
Since their defeat against high-fliers West Bromwich Albion on the opening day, QPR have struggled to pick up wins in the Championship, with frustrating draws at home against Plymouth Argyle and Millwall seeming like missed opportunities to gather some momentum during the early months of the campaign.
However, it is still early days, and if they can replicate the performance they produced during the second half of their win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on a consistent basis, there is no reason why they cannot go on to have a good season.
In the last week, Cifuentes has agreed a new deal, defender Jake Clarke-Salter signed a new contract, and Karamoko Dembélé's move to Loftus Road will be made permanent next summer, giving the supporters something to smile about at the end of September.
Now, let's take a look at a few free agents QPR should consider signing in October to provide some extra quality and cover, as well as adding competition for places.
Former Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is a free agent after leaving Bayer Leverkusen during the summer.
The 26-year-old did not feature for the German champions last season, although he has played in the Bundesliga, Europa League and Champions League for the club since his arrival in 2021.
Fosu-Mensah could provide competition at right-back, centre-back, and in midfield, with his ability and top flight experience making him a player who could be worth signing despite his injury record.
Kemar Roofe is another player who is available on a free transfer following his departure from Scottish side Rangers.
The forward played in the Europa League during his time with the Gers, and scored memorable goals against the likes of Standard Liege, Benfica, and Real Betis.
He would provide competition both up front and out wide for Cifuentes' side, and he has impressed in the Championship before during his spell at Leeds United.
The 31-year-old would give QPR a different option in attack, and could turn out to be a shrewd addition if he makes a move to Loftus Road.
Former Hull City midfielder Leonardo Lopes has spent the last few years in the top flight of Belgian football, and recently departed Cercle Brugge at the end of his contract.
The 25-year-old reportedly attracted interest from Championship clubs during the January transfer window earlier in 2024, as per Sky Sports (Transfer Centre Live, 09:18, 10/01/24), although a move never materialised.
He would be capable of adding an extra creative spark to the R's midfield, and could be convinced to return to English football having played for the likes of Peterborough United and Wigan Athletic already in his career, as well as the Tigers.
Lopes featured regularly as Cercle Brugge secured a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League last season, and showed his versatility with performances at both left-back and right-back, away from his more traditional midfield role that he occupied earlier on in the campaign.