In 2015, Queens Park Rangers signed Tjaronn Chery from FC Groningen, which proved to be an excellent move.
Chery is still fondly regarded by R’s fans today, and at 37, he continues to defy his age, scoring 18 goals for Royal Antwerp in the 2024/25 season, the greatest return of his career.
| Tjaronn Chery’s QPR stats, as per FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 66 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 10 |
The offensive midfielder arrived at a time when QPR were struggling with the immediate aftermath of Premier League relegation, making his effect all the more impressive during a difficult era – they were facing significant financial constraints.
Tjaronn Chery proven to be a wise summer signing for QPR.
QPR exercised an undisclosed release clause in the Dutchman’s contract with FC Groningen in July 2015, beating off interest from numerous Premier League clubs to join him on a three-year contract.
Les Ferdinand, the then-director of football, was extremely thrilled with the signing, going into depth about Chery’s decision to reject greater offers elsewhere to join QPR.
“He had offers to make much more money elsewhere, but he chose QPR because he believes he can progress as a player, which is fantastic,” Ferdinand told BBC Sport at the time.
Chery, 27, arrives with a strong track record, having scored 15 goals in 34 Eredivisie games during his final season with Groningen.
As a result, fans at Loftus Road anticipated he would be able to make a significant contribution to their Championship team. Chery’s impact throughout the difficult years at Loftus Road eternally secured him a place in QPR hearts.
Chery’s entrance coincided with one of the most difficult periods in QPR’s recent history.
The club had recently been relegated from the Premier League following a disastrous season that culminated in a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Financial difficulties were also increasing, with the R’s facing strict Financial Fair Play punishments and the progressive decline of parachute payments.
Without top-flight status, the club’s peak revenue of £86 million in 2015 would fall in succeeding years.
Despite these difficult circumstances, Chery rapidly established himself as a major member for the team. The Dutchman, who primarily played in his preferred number 10 position under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, brought much-needed inventiveness.
His crossing ability was particularly impressive, as evidenced by his assist for Idrissa Sylla’s late victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage, which was regarded as “the moment of Rangers’ season so far”.
Chery did, however, spark some controversy during his stint in West London. Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe called his response to being substituted after a derby defeat to previously mentioned Fulham as “despicable”.
Despite this, the Suriname international had a terrific debut season at Loftus Road, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 39 Championship games.
However, after four goals and three assists in 22 second-tier appearances during the first half of the 2016/17 season, Chery left the club in January 2017 to join Chinese side Guizhou FC.
Chery had rejected a new deal with QPR, with insiders claiming that his performance had suffered as a result of the failure to reach an agreement with the club.
Tjaronn Chery enjoying renaissance at 37
Chery, nearly a decade after leaving Loftus Road, continues to display the class that made him such an important addition to QPR.
His efforts for Belgian club Royal Antwerp in the 2024/25 season have been extraordinary for a guy who will turn 37 on June 4, 2025.
Chery reached a personal milestone in the 24/25 season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions, surpassing his previous record of 17 goals set during his final season with Groningen in 2014.
When R’s fans consider their club’s transfer history, Chery’s signing stands out as a rare example of both good value and timing.
His constant performance at one of the most difficult periods in the club’s modern history will leave him warmly remembered on the Loftus Road terraces for many years to come.
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