QPR backed to strike double West Brom and Middlesbrough transfer deal | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit would like to see Darnell Furlong return to West London.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Queens Park Rangers are looking to strengthen their right-back department ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Rs are set for a busy summer following the news that head coach Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave, amid reports linking him with a move away, while defender Jimmy Dunne, who has been a hugely important player this season, is also reportedly set to leave Loftus Road during the upcoming transfer window.

However, while the club will no doubt be identifying potential candidates to replace Cifuentes as a matter of priority, QPR have also been linked with a couple of right-backs as they look to strengthen in that area of the pitch ahead of next season.

Journalist Darren Witcoop has revealed that West Bromwich Albion's Darnell Furlong and Middlesbrough's Anfernee Dijksteel, who is out of contract at the Riverside Stadium this summer, are both on Rangers' shortlist.

QPR urged to sign two right-backs this summer

We asked our QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, whether he would prefer to see Furlong or Dijksteel complete a move to Loftus Road this summer, amid reports that both players are on the club's list of targets.

"Well, I think right-back is obviously one of the most prioritised positions we have got to focus on, really, ahead of this summer," Louis said.

"The way it looks with Jimmy Dunne, Harrison Ashby and Hevertton Santos, the three of them will not be here next season, which leaves us with nobody, so on paper you look at it and think we will need two right-backs.

"Obviously, we have been linked with Furlong, we have been linked with Dijksteel from Middlesbrough, and I think there have been a few murmurs about Zak Swanson from Pompey as well.

"If you were to choose between Furlong and Dijksteel, preferably, you want to take both, because we are going to be needing the bodies in that position.

"Furlong, when he was with us, was young and inexperienced. He did not have the ability at the time and I didn't really rate him, so I was not too bothered when he was sold to West Brom. He has been there years now, he is a seasoned pro, and he is obviously a much better player than he was years ago.

"You look at these right-back rumours, and they are players who have played in the Championship and have that experience, and I think we didn't go down that path last summer with the recruitment. I think you need a mix of players from abroad and players who have got that Championship experience.

"For me, I would be taking Furlong. It would be quite good to have him back now. He has had these years playing in the Championship, becoming quite a sturdy and physical defender at this level.

"Out of Furlong and Dijksteel I would probably take Furlong, but preferably, I would be happy with both of them coming, especially with Dijksteel probably being available on a free transfer as well."

Contract status could be key factor in QPR right-back hunt

The fact that Furlong is under contract at The Hawthorns until 2027 could be a key factor as QPR search for a new right-back, especially considering that Dijksteel is likely to be available on a free transfer unless he agrees fresh terms with Middlesbrough.

It will be interesting to see whether the Rs look to invest in bringing Furlong back to the club or opt for a more financially shrewd signing in Dijksteel as their search for a right-back goes on.