QPR backed to beat Derby County to “exciting” transfer for 17-goal star.

This post is a part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which offers our FLW Fan Pundits their personal thoughts on teams, players, managers, breaking news, possible signings, and more.

After finishing 15th in the 2024–25 season, Queens Park Rangers is looking to improve.

The Frenchman Julien Stephan, who took over as manager of the R’s, plans to instill his philosophy and style of play in the existing team.

QPR will put in a lot of effort to strengthen the team as well and provide Stephan the opportunity to establish his dominance.

In an effort to strike the correct balance, QPR has signed four new players so far this summer: Karamoko Dembele, Amadou Salif Mbengue, Kwame Poku, and Kealey Adamson. At the same time, up to 11 first-team players left the team at the end of the previous campaign.

 

According to The Sun, QPR has been linked to making a fifth acquisition. The R’s are anticipated to compete with Derby County and Blackburn Rovers for striker Timothe Nkada, who presently plays for Rodez in Ligue 2.

Nkada, 26, is thought to be available for £2.2 million after just finishing an outstanding 17-goal season in the French second division.

Seemingly on an upwards trajectory in his career, FLW’s QPR fan pundit has commented on Nkada being touted for a move to Loftus Road.

Timothe Nkada could be the “perfect focal point” at QPR.

QPR supporter Louis Moir expressed his enthusiasm at the connections to Timothe Nkada in an interview with Football League World, saying he thinks the forward may provide traits the R’s team has long lacked.

Louis stated: “Given that we hired a French manager, I think this kind of signing is something to fully expect.”

Looking at the French second league, it’s clear that many (Championship) clubs have done that over the years and discovered many hidden gems in that nation, which is even more true in the second division.

There are players out there, and if you do the appropriate scouting and sign the right guys, you can find some elite players. However, some may argue that the quality is nothing in comparison to the Championship, which is true.

With players like Chair, Poku, Dembele, Madsen, and other attacking players you’d expect to have good numbers this season, Nkada has scored a good number of goals and, I believe, provided a good number of assists, demonstrating that he’s a striker who can also create opportunities.

“This is the kind of signing that would excite me.” We’ve lacked goals and alternatives up front for a while, so this is the kind of signing I hope we make. This guy is really quick, has some strength, and has a physical presence—all of which are things we haven’t had as an option.

I believe Julien Stephan enjoys playing two up front, so that would be beneficial. I’m thrilled about this report since I believe Julien Stephan works there. He may be the ideal focal point up there, so perhaps having him plus someone else up front could cause Championship defence a lot of difficulties. with him when he was at Rennes as well, so there could be a link there.

“I’m all for it since he’s at a nice age, appears to be in his prime, and has a very excellent goal return.

“In my opinion, it’s worthwhile to take a chance on someone like this, and it could undoubtedly be an exciting signing.”

QPR should be in the driving seat for Timothe Nkada signing.

Given their need for a new forward and the likelihood that Charlie Kelman and Alfie Lloyd will depart West London before the deadline of September 1st, QPR should be in the driver’s seat to sign Timothe Nkada.

Derby, on the other hand, is unlikely to need another forward because they have already brought Andi Weimann, Patrick Ageymang, and Carlton Morris to Pride Park.

Blackburn might not make a firm move unless one of their current crop leaves Rovers, as they have plenty of forward options in Harry Leonard, Yuki Ohashi, Mahktar Gueye, and Augustus Kargbo.

Since he is familiar with a Julien Stephan system from their time together at Rennes, Nkada is likely to improve the team and start right away if the R’s can close a deal for him.

Although you would think that after scoring so many league goals in France the previous season, Nkada would want to continue playing at centre forward, his versatility is also a huge plus.

Given that the French forward appears prepared to advance and establish himself in the English game, QPR fans should be thrilled if a deal can be finalised.