QPR told to make clear Paul Smyth decision - 'I've been a massive critic' | OneFootball

A verdict on Paul Smyth's future at QPR has emerged, with the winger performing well in limited minutes in 2025/26...

QPR's forward line is full of exciting young talent, with the older heads of Paul Smyth and Ilias Chair only 28 and many others are much younger than that duo.

There is plenty for QPR supporters to be excited about heading into the 2026/27 season on that front, with so many youthful attacking options. Rayan Kolli, Rumarn Burrell, Richard Kone, Kwame Poku, Koki Saito, Karamoko Dembele, and Harvey Vale are all aged 25 or under, giving the R's a forward line packed with potential and room for further development.

Each player has shown flashes of genuine quality during the 2025/26 campaign, whether through goals, creativity, dribbling ability, or overall attacking influence. Burrell, Vale, and Kone were the only players to reach double figures for goals and assists.

That said, the blend of pace, flair, unpredictability, and technical skill provides QPR with a platform to build around for years to come, while also offering supporters hope that several of these players could develop into some of the Championship's most exciting attacking talents in 2026/27.

The QPR verdict on Paul Smyth's future at the club

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We asked FLW's QPR fan pundit Louis Moir if QPR should be looking to stick or twist with Paul Smyth this summer, with the winger having three years remaining on his deal with the club. With so much young talent, would it be wise to put faith in them over Smyth?

He said: "I've been a massive critic of Paul Smyth before last season. I think a lot of people maybe realised he's not up to it and the level required.

"You know, in terms of output — like goals and assists — it just wasn't any good. I must admit, he's sort of proven me wrong most times over last season. He really seems to have gone up a gear and he did well overall.

"Some games, not great. But not every player is going to be consistently good, especially someone like him. I think, for sure, we should stick with him for next season. He should be part of the squad.

"He probably shouldn't start as many games as he did last season, but to have him in the squad and in and around it to bring on. I still think he's better as a sub because you've seen it.

"Against certain teams, he has made such a difference. A player like that when you're against a side struggling later on in the game is perfect to bring on. For him and for his standards, obviously, he probably wants to play and start most games, which I can't see happening next season.

"In terms of sticking with him, 100% it is worth sticking with him. He should be in the squad at least. It would be beneficial to have someone of his pace, trickery, and running ability to go at defenders.

"I'm sure he'll have a few moments, as he did this season, next season as well. He's definitely a valued member of the squad because he's proven me wrong. This season, he has shown that he can play really well.

"He's added a few goals to his game. So, yeah, I'd be having him as a sort of squad rotation player coming off the bench if I was the manager."

QPR need better than Paul Smyth in the transfer window

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With so much of QPR's attacking talent falling into the younger age brackets, retaining Smyth should provide an important balance. He provided eight goal involvements in 21 starts last season.

But it goes beyond that. At 28, he offers experience and many of the club's forwards are still developing, both on and off the pitch. While he may not be guaranteed a starting place every week, his value extends beyond the starting XI and he is a terrific substitute due to his pace.

Smyth understands the demands of Championship football, can help guide younger teammates through difficult periods, and remains a useful option from the bench with his energy, work rate, and direct running. Every promising young forward line needs experienced heads around it, and Smyth can fulfill that role effectively.

That said, QPR cannot afford to leave the forward line without additions. There are eight promotion places available due to the expansion of the play-offs and that provides an opportunity for them to make their way in if they operate well in the transfer market this summer.