"I've just got a feeling" - QPR boss Marti Cifuentes tipped for Middlesbrough switch if Michael Carrick is sacked | OneFootball

With Cifuentes on gardening leave from the R's, his next potential move is still being speculated on - could he remain in England?

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 were rocked prior to the end of the 2024-25 Championship season as manager Marti Cifuentes was put on gardening leave by the hierarchy.

The decision came after news reports emerged, via The Sun, that the Spaniard was considering quitting his post at Loftus Road after a year-and-a-half in charge, primarily due to a strained relationship with 27-year-old CEO Christian Nourry.

Around the same time, claims were made that Cifuentes' representatives had been in contact with QPR's Championship rivals West Brom over their managerial vacancy, and despite the fact that the 42-year-old was eventually ruled out of the running, the decision was made by the Hoops board to take his managerial duties away - essentially waiting for a club to come in and pay compensation for his services.

Marti Cifuentes tipped for potential Middlesbrough switch if Michael Carrick departs

The next move for Cifuentes is not known - the West Brom avenue appears to have been shut, so he will have to explore other options.

There are several jobs on the market, but FLW's QPR fan pundit Louis Moir believes that Cifuentes could make the move to Middlesbrough, should Steve Gibson part ways with Michael Carrick after another failed push for the play-offs.

"I think Cifuentes - obviously nobody knows where he's going to go, it might not be in the Championship, it might not even be in England, a club abroad might want him, which wouldn't be a shock," Louis told FLW.

"But I've just got a feeling potentially, there's been talk of Middlesbrough getting rid of Michael Carrick, and if they do that, I have a feeling they'd come in for Marti.

"I could see that sort of working, him going to a side like Middlesbrough, but you look at other Championship clubs that are looking for a manager and anyone could come in for him, I suppose.

"But I think there'd be more interest in him in the Championship and staying in England than there would be abroad, so out of those two moves, staying in England is the more likely outcome for him.

"For me, I think Middlesbrough could sort of work. I think they'd be interested in him and if they were to get rid of Carrick, you'd imagine Marti's name would be quite high up their list.

"I think he'll be staying in England personally."

Middlesbrough may have sights set higher than Marti Cifuentes if Michael Carrick leaves

Middlesbrough are yet to make a decision on Carrick's future, although FLW exclusively revealed recently after the 2024-25 season finished that his job was under threat at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro haven't been able to climb into the Championship play-offs in the last two seasons despite a strong squad and decent money spent each time, and Carrick may have taken them as far as he can.

If Steve Gibson does decide a change is needed though, Boro may aim higher than a manager who despite having promise, only finished 15th with QPR this past season.

It may be where the Hoops expected to finish given a lack of spend on their first-team squad, but Cifuentes - despite having the potential to do more with a bigger budget - could lose out to a bigger and more proven name, such as Steve Cooper.