QPR told to sanction Jonathan Varane sale on one '£6m-7m' condition | OneFootball

QPR have been told to sell Jonathan Varane amid interest from Saint-Etienne, but only if a permanent move is on the table.

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…

QPR have been told to cash in on Jonathan Varane if a suitable offer comes in for the midfielder on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old joined the R’s from Gijon in the summer of 2024, and, after a mixed start, he quickly became a key figure for the team, and he ended the season as a standout performer.

Therefore, there was speculation surrounding his future in the summer, but Varane signed a new contract to remain at Loftus Road.

Saint-Étienne fail with Jonathan Varane transfer bid

Nevertheless, it appears interest in the player hasn’t gone away, as West London Sport revealed that Saint-Étienne had seen an offer to sign Varane turned down.

The French side were looking to take the midfielder on an initial loan, with the move to be made permanent for £5.2m if they win promotion back to Ligue 1 this season.

With no guarantee of funds from the deal, it was easy to see why QPR rejected the offer, but the future fee would have represented a significant profit on Varane, which shows the R’s are doing a lot right with their recruitment.

When asked by FLW if a permanent offer should change their stance, QPR fan pundit Louis made it clear that the Londoners should be open to a sale, as he explained why this is the approach they need to adopt moving forward, as he also questioned Varane’s performances this season.

“I’d be happy to let Varane go if we get a bit more than the £5.2m Saint-Étienne have proposed on a loan-to-buy, which I think the club would totally ignore.

“For any other clubs around Europe interested in Varane for that matter, if it’s not a straight, permanent deal, I don’t think we will entertain offers.

“I do think we’re pushing for £6m-7m and from what it seems, there’s a lot of clubs in Europe who are keen on Varane which means it wouldn’t be out of the question that we get that number, which I think is what we're holding out for.

“He hasn’t been anywhere near as good this season as he was in the second half of the previous one. He doesn’t like the same player really, he’s been slow, quite casual, and he hasn’t been the same dominant force that he was last season.

“Players are going to come and go, it’s the modern way, and I’m not against it at all. We need to sell players, it’s a fact. That’s going to have to start happening now and in the years to come.

“For a player like Varane, a player we signed for around £1m, to get offers around the £5m mark considering how long he has been at the club, and it was massive that he signed a new contract, by the way, but it’s impressive. If we can do that with others, where you move them on so we get money and reinvest.

“If we get £6m-7m for Varane, nobody could say we should turn that down. So, possibly a bit more from Saint Etienne, and if it’s a permanent offer, not a loan, I think we could see Varane go, whether it’s this month or in the summer.”

QPR must back Julien Stephan in the January transfer window

Firstly, QPR are right to turn down that offer from Saint-Étienne as there is no guarantee that they will go up.

So, most would agree with the view that it wasn’t a suitable bid, but it would be a different story if QPR were offered those funds up front.

In reality, £6m to £7m would be very difficult for the R’s to turn down, and it would be great business. Crucially, as outlined above, Varane is no longer the massive player he was in the previous campaign.

If that money could then be given to Stephan to bring in one or two quality players, then it could give QPR that extra bit that they need to try and reach the play-offs.

Ultimately, the club must do all they can to support the boss, and if that means selling Varane to raise extra funds, then it’s something they must consider.