'Baffled' QPR reaction given as R's linked to ex-Chelsea player to replace Julien Stephan | OneFootball

Filipe Luis has been linked with a move to QPR to replace Julien Stephan at Loftus Road this summer.

Filipe Luis may have been a former Chelsea player but he has been impressive with Flamengo as a manager and QPR have since been linked to the Brazilian.

QPR and Middlesbrough have been linked to Filipe Luis, with the 40-year-old leaving his tenure with Flamengo shortly after an 8-0 victory over Madureira in the Campeonato Carioca semi-final.

Of course, Julien Stephan is at the helm currently and has only spent a season with the club after joining in June 2025. He is unable to guide them into the play-offs but there is still every chance they better the last three seasons in the Championship.

The west London outfit haven't finished in the top half of a Championship campaign since coming 11th in 2021/22. With only a few games remaining, that is still a possibility for QPR ahead of a summer where they will look to kick on.

Julien Stephan praise emerges as QPR linked to Filipe Luis

Football League World's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, has shared his thoughts on Luis being linked. He said: "I think the idea of Filipe Luis managing QPR is quite interesting. It's certainly a cool thought.

"But I just, for one, would be shocked if there really is anything in that because, realistically, why would Stephan not be our manager next season? I would be baffled if he's not in the dugout.

"It's not like he wants getting rid of after his first season in this league and having to deal with all the injury problems and all that. Obviously, there have been moments but we have progressed and we've been in and around it all season.

"We're not miles off being that sort of side to challenge for the play-offs. I'd be excited with Stephan being in charge next season but I just wouldn't see a reason why we'd be looking at another manager.

"Filipe Luis, we all know what sort of career he had as a player. His managerial record over in Brazil is very, very impressive. But Brazilian football, and I suppose a team where he was as well, Flamengo, it's probably not hard to get a record like that.

"He probably is the sort of upcoming manager that would look to have a career now outside of Brazil to see if he can make his mark on European football or in a challenging league like the Championship.

"But, yeah, it would be pretty cool — I must admit — to have someone like that in charge. It comes with a lot of risk, and what manager doesn't come with risk, but a lot of potential and excitement."

The view of Julien Stephan for QPR next season

On next season for QPR under Stephan, Louis added: "Like I say, I'd be shocked if we were looking elsewhere. To get rid of Stephan after one season in a season where overall it's not been perfect but we have been up there.

"I think, next year, if we iron out a few mistakes, and there are fewer injury problems, and we get a few more players in that would be the missing pieces, then I don't see how or why we wouldn't be looking more and more upwards in this league.

"With the play-offs being up to eight teams now, I'd have full faith that we could get top six let alone top eight. So, yeah, we'll have to see what happens if any rumours emerge. But, Filipe Luis, would be very exciting.

"At the same time, if it's him or somebody else, I'd just be baffled as to why we'd get rid of Stephan."