Julien Stephan must keep hold of ‘unbelievable talent’ at QPR despite West Brom interest
QPR may just be one of the dark horses in the Championship next season and Julien Stephan will be excited to get started in the league in August.
Hoops supporters are looking forward to the new campaign with their new French boss while Jimmy Dunne signed a new deal at Loftus Road.
QPR beat Swansea City to the signing of Kwame Poku in what could be the signing of the summer so far, but in West London there is one other problem that needs a resolution.
Charlie Kelman had a spectacular season on loan with Leyton Orient, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship through the play-offs and he is the subject of interest from another second tier side.
QPR are facing significant interest in Charlie Kelman from West Brom
According to Darren Witcoop, West Brom are pushing for a move for the striker following a disappointing end to the campaign for the Baggies.
Ryan Mason has already added Nat Phillips to his ranks, but finding more cover for Josh Maja is crucial if the West Midlands outfit are going to push for a top six finish.
Kelman scored 21 goals and registered five assists in 46 League One games for Leyton Orient in 2024/25, and he was arguably the division’s most dangerous player after Louie Barry was recalled from his loan at Stockport County.
Julien Stephan cannot let Charlie Kelman go this summer
At just 23, the future is extremely bright for the former USA U20 striker, and a player who reached 20+ goals in the third tier just last season must not be sold to a direct rival.
Richie Wellens, Kelman’s manager at Brisbane Road, is a huge fan of the striker but knows he is still quite raw. He said following Leyton Orient’s 3-2 win over Mansfield Town in April (via: Lancashire Telegraph): “I’m pleased for Charlie in the end, but his first half was nowhere near acceptable.
“He is a goalscorer, but the basics of run, fight and press were not there first half. They were two brilliant finishes and his winner was an absolute worldie and I am pleased for him. Second half he was excellent. I have said it many times, I love him to bits. There is an unbelievable talent in there. But as soon as he lets things affect him he does not have the same performance levels.”
Stephan needs to hone those talents over the course of this season and QPR cannot sell him. He has the potential to become the club’s starting striker in the coming months and years, and they must reap the rewards of his development – not another team.
