QPR set to beat Preston in transfer race for £0 defender | OneFootball

Rangers' long-lasting pursuit of Boy Kemper could be reaching its conclusion

Queens Park Rangers will hope that the upcoming 2026/27 Championship season brings about more good fortune and consistency than what was on show at Loftus Road in Julien Stephan's first year as manager.

Rangers had, once again, failed to show any signs of ending their current stint in the Championship in a positive way when it comes to challenging the promotion chasers, and such a trend was once again on show in 2025/26.

After rectifying a disastrous start to the campaign, they found themselves on the periphery of the top six for a brief period, before tailing off at exactly the wrong time as the season drew to a close.

They then ended their season with four losses on the bounce and an underwhelming 15th-placed finish, meaning the Frenchman and his recruitment team certainly have some big decisions to make between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

QPR did make several encouraging signings last year on paper, with the duo of Rumarn Burrell and Richard Kone, in particular, grabbing the headlines as a result of their goalscoring exploits.

However, it appears as though this summer, there is a greater onus on defensive improvements, and a long-lasting transfer pursuit could be about to end.

Queens Park Rangers set to end lengthy Boy Kemper transfer pursuit with £0 summer deal

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As well as the aforementioned arrivals of Kone and Burrell up top, Welsh international, Rhys Norrington-Davies, had been an impressive mainstay in Stephan's rearguard throughout the season.'

Offering a vast amount of Championship experience, the 27-year-old clocked up 3,035 minutes throughout the season, proving his reliability, but, at least in the short term, will return to his parent club, Sheffield United, on June 30th when his season-long loan officially expires.

As such, this has left Stephan needing to recruit further bodies in this area of his rearguard, and Rangers have been heavily linked with Dutch defender, Boy Kemper, for some time as a result.

Two months ago, it was claimed by Dutch outlet, Voetbal International, that the NAC Breda captain had become the subject of "serious interest" from the London outfit, having informed the club of his desire to consider options heading into the summer, with his contract reaching its end.

Despite subsequent interest from the likes of Championship rivals, Preston North End, it then appeared as though FC Utrecht, would be the driving force in a transfer battle for the 26-year-old, as Kemper was reportedly keen on a move to the Stadion Galgenwaard after holding talks with manager, Anthony Correia, as they looked to ready a contract offer.

However, a fresh report from VI has come to light, stating that the defender is on the cusp of finalising a free transfer to Loftus Road after the Hoops were alerted to such rival interest, which aligns with Kemper's reported wish for a new career path away from the Netherlands.

Queens Park Rangers fans will be encouraged by nature of defensive transfer links

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It will be a relief to all associated with the club that such a drawn-out transfer saga appears to be coming to an end, and with Kemper's previous pedigree, R's supporters will be full of encouragement.

In over 200 appearances in the Eredivisie and Keuken Kampioen Divisie, Kemper has racked up 30 goal contributions - which included five strikes last term - and is clearly a leader after being Breda captain for the past season.

Full-back is clearly an area in which Stephan is looking for reinforcements, with Rangers also reportedly in a transfer battle with London and divisional rivals, Millwall, for the services of Rodez AF's 22-year-old right-back, Nolan Galves, who accrued seven assists in Ligue 2 last season.

As such, both could be seen as huge gems given the minimal fees reported, and could help Rangers improve significantly under their French boss in the next year.