Hayden in, Dykes out: The dream start to QPR’s summer transfer window

QPR fans have newfound optimism as they look ahead to the 2024-25 Championship season.

Under Spanish coach Marti Cifuentes, QPR has experienced a revival from potential relegation candidates to a team with a strong finish in the previous campaign. This late surge has positioned the Hoops well to carry forward the momentum into the upcoming season in the second tier.

Securing maximum points in their last three league matches, QPR is riding high on the success orchestrated by Cifuentes. However, to sustain this success, the club must make smart moves in the upcoming transfer window.

For Cifuentes, who joined QPR in October, the summer transfer window presents an opportunity to evaluate and reshape the team with the aim of challenging for higher positions in the league next season.

QPR is currently in a transitional phase with nine senior players expected to depart as their contracts expire. The club’s approach to both outgoing players and new signings will be under close scrutiny.

In light of this, FLW examines one potential valuable addition and one departure that could benefit QPR as they navigate the competitive transfer market and strive to improve on their 18th place finish from the previous season.

IN: Isaac Hayden

QPR have had the chance to assess Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden this season, as he played a crucial role in their improved performance and is being considered for a permanent return. Hayden, known for his experience and adaptability, has been used in a deeper defensive midfield position under Cifuentes. His strong playing style and reliable passing have bolstered QPR’s midfield.

Although Hayden isn’t a flashy signing, acquiring him would signal QPR’s ambition. Continuity is vital for QPR’s progress after their strong finish last season, and Hayden’s potential signing would enhance the team’s quality and consistency.

Reportedly, Hayden is close to reaching an agreement with Newcastle that would make him a free agent this summer, making a move to QPR logical for all involved. Hayden has expressed interest in joining QPR before, and there are rumors suggesting that his transfer to the club could happen soon.

OUT: Lyndon Dykes

The situation surrounding Lyndon Dykes is quite peculiar: despite being a proven goal scorer in the Championship, it wasn’t until the end of the season that he found his stride under Cifuentes’ management. While Dykes scored crucial goals in QPR’s victories against

Preston North End and Leeds United towards the end of the season, his overall tally of six goals as the team’s central striker is underwhelming.

Dykes’ late-season form might have earned him a starting spot, but there’s a

case to be made for QPR to consider selling him and using the funds to acquire a more suitable replacement. In January 2023, QPR rejected a £3 million offer from Millwall for Dykes, but it’s unlikely that they would receive a bid of that magnitude this summer. However, they could still fetch around £1 million if they opt to offload him, especially if Cifuentes prefers a more mobile striker.

Recent reports have linked QPR with Leicester City academy prospect Amani Richards, a 19-year-old striker known for his impressive goal-scoring record at youth level. Richards received Leicester’s Academy Player of the Season award in 2023 after netting over 20 goals across all competitions. However, contract negotiations with Leicester have stalled as Richards seeks guaranteed senior playing time.

If QPR believes in Richards’ potential and can create a clear pathway for him to transition into the first team next season, selling Dykes for a substantial fee could pave the way for introducing this promising young talent. QPR seems to be a club on the rise, but it’s crucial for Cifuentes to address the striker situation and establish continuity before the start of the upcoming campaign.