Queens Park Rangers are looking to seal a deal for soon-to-be Reading free agent Amadou Mbengue, amid interest from other parties.
This summer, the R’s have already made one significant defensive move. Jimmy Dunne signed fresh terms with the west London club on Wednesday, turning down interest from play-off finalists Sheffield United. They hope to make a second splash in this area of the field by signing Mbengue.
According to West London Sport, Reading has offered the centre-back a new contract, but he has also sparked interest from Championship clubs. QPR, Charlton Athletic, Watford, and Preston North End have all been connected with the 23-year-old Senegalese footballer.
Mbengue helped Noel Hunt’s Royals retain nine clean sheets throughout his 34 League One outings last season. Reading missed out on a playoff spot on the season’s last day.
| Amadou Mbengue’s 24/25 League One stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Starts | 33 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
| Tackles & interceptions per game | 3.2 |
| Duels won per game | 6.4 (64%) |
| Source: Sofascore | |
QPR attempting to seal Amadou Mbengue deal
QPR are “trying to complete a deal” for the defender, according to WLS, but other clubs are also interested.
If signed shortly, Mbengue will be the first new face to arrive at Loftus Road this summer, after Dunne and Sam Field’s contract renewals, and Reading will be entitled to pay for his services because he is under the age of 24.
Reading’s co-CEO, Joe Jacobson, has conceded that his team is unlikely to maintain all of the players to whom they have offered new contracts, implying that Mbengue may not return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, creating an opening for clubs such as QPR.
“Everyone who we wanted to keep will stay, within reason,” the former Wycombe Wanderers stalwart told the Reading Chronicle.
“We may not be able to retain everyone due to how well some performed, but we are trying.
“We would like to keep everyone we’ve offered contracts to. It may not happen, but that’s football. We want to bring in some really good and exciting guys.
QPR’s summer business so far could help secure Amadou Mbengue deal
The 23-year-old has already gained Championship experience during his debut season with Reading (2022/23).
His influence to the Berkshire club developed steadily over his first three, and potentially final, seasons with them. Given where they finished last season and the defender’s contributions to that success, there is little doubt that he is deserving of a Championship move.
QPR have already demonstrated their pulling power this summer by signing Dunne and Field to new contracts; two extremely excellent players that other teams were sure to be interested in. Holding on to the two major assets will only make the move to Loftus Road more appealing for players like Mbengue.
The Irishman’s commitment, in particular, may have an impact on him. Dunne has grown so much since his arrival in west London four years ago. QPR clearly provides a road for defensive talents to develop into players capable of competing in the Premier League, giving the Reading man even more reason to join.
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