QPR remain in talks with Asmir Begovic over a new deal, but Bournemouth are keen on the keeper as a backup.
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) are in ongoing negotiations with Asmir Begovic in an effort to retain the veteran goalkeeper for another season. Begovic, 36, joined QPR last summer on a one-year contract and played a pivotal role for the team, making 45 appearances as they fought to avoid relegation from the Championship.
However, QPR faces competition from Bournemouth, who are interested in re-signing Begovic. Begovic previously played for Bournemouth from 2017 to 2021, and the club is keen to bring him back, likely valuing his experience and reliability as they aim to strengthen their squad.
The decision on Begovic’s future remains uncertain, but QPR is evidently eager to keep hold of the seasoned shot-stopper, who has been an integral part of their campaign this season.
| Championship standings 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18 | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 53 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -24 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | -11 | 51 |
| 22 | Birmingham City (R) | 46 | -15 | 50 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town (R) | 46 | -29 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 46 | -52 | 27 |
Asmir Begovic’s future at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) is uncertain as his current contract approaches its end. Despite some inconsistencies, Begovic proved to be a reliable presence for QPR, with manager Marti Cifuentes maintaining trust in the former Everton goalkeeper. Begovic’s contributions were vital in QPR’s battle against relegation, particularly due to his leadership both on and off the pitch.
However, with his contract expiring, there is speculation about where Begovic will play next season. Reports have indicated that Celtic had previously shown interest in the experienced stopper. Now, journalist Alan Nixon has revealed a new development: Bournemouth, where Begovic played from 2017 to 2021, are keen on re-signing him. Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, is looking for experienced goalkeeping cover, and Begovic fits the profile they need.
QPR will need to act quickly if they wish to retain Begovic, as competition from both Bournemouth and potentially Celtic could influence the goalkeeper’s decision for the next stage of his career.
Asmir Begovic’s future with Queens Park Rangers (QPR) remains undecided, as he is currently in negotiations with the club about a potential new contract. However, for Begovic to stay at QPR, he would need to accept a pay cut, a significant factor he must consider.
Begovic, at 36, finds himself in a position where he controls his destiny. The allure of a return to Bournemouth is clear—they can offer a higher salary and the opportunity to be involved with a Premier League squad, which is appealing for any player. On the other hand, QPR can provide regular first-team football, which might be a decisive factor for Begovic if he prioritizes playing time over financial incentives.
This decision is crucial for Begovic, and he is likely to take his time to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
QPR’s summer plans
It’s an exciting time to be a QPR fan due to the remarkable job that Cifuentes has done since his arrival, and he had the team playing excellent football during the final weeks of the season as they deservedly stopped up.
Now, it’s about backing him in the summer, and he will no doubt have big plans as he looks to build a team that can compete for a play-off place, even if it will take time.
Sorting out who will be number one next season is sure to be a priority, so he will no doubt be pushing for a decision from Begovic as quickly as possible, as they will need to find a new keeper if he does depart.
But, the club will know it’s a possibility that he could move on, so they’re sure to have potential replacements lined up.
The budget at QPR isn’t going to be as big as others in the league, so Cifuentes may have to wheel and deal, but the supporters will have full faith in him, and it will be interesting to see if he looks at the Scandinavian market given his background.
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