Watford were linked with a move for the QPR defender last summer, and the 27-year-old will now be a free agent.
QPR’s retained list was confirmed this week, bringing some clarity to what the 2025/26 campaign will look like in west London.
The future of head coach Marti Cifuentes and a prospective successor remain uncertain, with former Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup currently leading the charge. Cifuentes is still on ‘gardening leave’ after being temporarily relieved of his duties prior to the Championship season’s last match.
Kenneth Paal will not play for Cifuentes, Thorup, or another coach next season. It has been revealed that the defender will leave Loftus Road at the end of his contract this summer.
Kenneth Paal, 27, will leave QPR as a free agent.
He joined the club from PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands in June 2022 and has made 130 appearances for the R’s in all competitions. He has been a prominent figure under Cifuentes and a regular to take set plays, with six goals across his QPR outings.
Paal told the club after his departure was announced: “From day one, I enjoyed every moment.” The individuals at the club, as well as my teammates, assisted me and my family, and I will be eternally grateful. There were difficult periods, but my time at QPR helped me become a better person and player.
“The fans have been incredible. I always sensed their support at Loftus Road and away games as well. They were present during even the most difficult games and situations. I’d like to thank them for shouting my name. I had my own song at QPR; I’d never had that before, so thank you very much for everything you provided me.”
CEO Christian Nourry added, “Ken is a gentleman, someone who exudes calm, and he has had a positive impact on other players during his time here.” I’ve really loved watching him; technically, he’s provided some fantastic moments in a QPR shirt.
While we are parting ways contractually, the Club will continue to support Ken in any way he desires as he seeks his next adventure.”
Marti Cifuentes warns against free agent departures.
With only one year left on his contract last summer, Paal was linked with a move to Championship rivals Watford, but nothing came of those rumours. Paal will be able to join a new team without paying a transfer fee to QPR.
Cifuentes had specifically cautioned the team to avoid that circumstance when discussing the player’s future last summer. The Catalan coach stated, “We as a club cannot afford to have players in the final year of their contracts while still being an important asset to the club.”
“So we need to strike a compromise between continuity and maintaining excellent financial health. (Having said that, Ken is an excellent player. I believe he has shown that since my arrival, and I am extremely pleased with him.
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