QPR seal shock transfer of ex-Brighton star and fans are reacting | OneFootball

QPR have confirmed Tariq Lamptey as their latest summer signing

QPR will be aiming to improve on their 15th place finish in the Championship last season.

Julien Stéphan’s first campaign in charge at Loftus Road saw the club earn the same league result as the previous term.

However, the Frenchman oversaw an increase in their overall points tally, with the team coming 15 points adrift of the play-off places.

The Hoops have already added the likes of Calum Ward and Boy Kemper to the squad this summer, with Pierce Charles also joining on loan from Manchester City.

And more signings are expected between now and the 1 September, with Tariq Lamptey becoming their latest addition.

Stéphan’s side will be targeting a top half of the table finish in the Championship next season, so will want to strengthen the squad before the market shuts.

QPR confirm Tariq Lamptey signing

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QPR have confirmed the addition of Lamptey on a permanent basis following his exit from Fiorentina.

The full-back signed for the Italian side last summer from Brighton, but an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in September put him on the sidelines for most of his time with the club.

Fiorentina agreed to terminate his contract via mutual consent, which has opened the door for his return to English football.

The 25-year-old credited QPR CEO Christian Nourry with convincing him to join the club, and expressed his excitement at being a part of the project at Loftus Road.

“I'm excited for the opportunity ahead,” said Lamptey.

“When I spoke to the gaffer and Christian (Nourry), the project was an encouraging one.

“The team have ambitious goals for this season, so I'm looking forward to it.”

Lamptey made just two appearances in Serie A last season, with his last game coming on 21 September before his ACL injury.

How QPR fans feel about Tariq Lamptey signing

QPR fans are excited by the signing of Lamptey, and have praised the club in particular for being able to get a deal done quietly and quickly.

However, some supporters have expressed some reservations over his fitness given he’s been out injured since September.

But fans believe that the 25-year-old could be one of the best full-backs in the second division if he can get back to full fitness.

And supporters are optimistic that the London outfit are on the right trajectory given their recent business.

QPR will be back in league action for the opening round on 15 August with a trip to face Portsmouth.

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Tariq Lamptey signing is an exciting move for QPR

The ACL injury that Lamptey suffered is obviously quite serious, and it means that fans should be patient with his recovery to full fitness, as it could be months before he’s back to his best.

But this is a defender with plenty of Premier League experience, and at his best he is quite capable of playing at a top flight level.

The 25-year-old is also a strong attacking presence, and will add some pace and flair to their right flank.

Given Lamptey has been signed as a free agent, this could end up being a real coup for the club, provided fitness issues don’t become a persistent problem.