QPR: Asmir Begovic exit feels likely under Marti Cifuentes | OneFootball

Marti Cifuentes has done an amazing job at Queens Park Rangers so far, giving them a chance of staying up.

The R’s are currently sitting in 21st position, and are just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Gareth Ainsworth started the season in the QPR hot seat, but he was sacked at the end of October following a run of six straight defeats.

Cifuentes was his replacement and has guided them out of the relegation zone, with QPR being one of the form teams in the division, losing just one of their last seven Championship games.

One thing Cifuentes has sorted is the defence, with QPR now leaking fewer goals than they were at the start of the season.

A mainstay in that defence throughout the season has been goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, whose future at Loftus Road is in doubt.

A mixed season for Begovic

The Bosnian joined the club in July 2023, having left Everton at the end of his contract.

Begovic looked to be a good signing. A very experienced and dependable keeper, Begovic has had a stellar career, playing the majority of his football in the Premier League with Stoke City and Chelsea.

He looked like exactly what QPR needed ahead of what looked likely to be another relegation battle for them.

So far this season for Begovic it has been an indifferent season.

When it comes to clean sheets, despite QPR’s league position, he has the fifth highest. He has kept nine clean sheets in 34 Championship games.

But when you look at the stats in detail, it makes for poor reading. He has made 96 saves so far, putting him in the top four percent for Championship goalkeepers.

However, his save percentage is only 68.1%, and his distribution is poor. He has a pass accuracy of 63.1%, and a long ball accuracy of 31%.

Obviously it does not help Begovic that he has been playing for a team near the bottom for the league all season, but you would have expected a bit more from a keeper of Begovic’s ability and experience.

With those stats in mind, it is looking likely that Begovic will depart at the end of the season.

He only signed a one-year-deal when he joined the club in the summer, so his contract is set to expire in the summer.

Under Cifuentes, QPR are now playing with a much more progressive, possession-based style of play - something which Begovic has had to adapt to as the season has gone on.

Naturally, Begovic has improved - but the club may feel that they can get someone better through the door in the summer, who suits their style of play more.

Begovic’s wages are probably higher than most, but with QPR’s financial issues, they may also feel that they can get someone cheaper too.

Begovic is also not a player for the long-term, especially at the age of 36. At that age, it’s unlikely he has many years left at this level.