Queens Park Rangers Transfer Dossier: Signficant Surgery Required Amid Remy Exit
The ticker-tape has barely settled after Bobby Zamora's last minute winner which sees Queens Park Rangers return to the Premier league at the first time of asking following a dramatic play-off final victory over Derby County but already Hoops fans will be looking towards what could be a summer of upheaval.
With 21 players either returning to parent clubs after loan deals or out of contract this summer, Harry Redknapp must stage a significant overhaul in order to build a squad capable of avoiding a second relegation from the top flight in three years. Owner Tony Fernandes' willingness to invest further will be crucial.
Business so far
With QPR having only clinched a return to the Premier League at the weekend, the club have barely had time to breathe. Nevertheless, eight players are due to return to their parent clubs after loan spells including West Ham United's Ravel Morrison, Wolves forward Kevin Doyle and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Carroll.
What they need
Even with survival on the agenda, Rangers require a complete squad overhaul. While eight players' loan deals have expired, 17 others are returning from temporary spells away from Loftus Road and 13 are awaiting news on a new deal. Redknapp used 41 players in all last season and will surely streamline that squad in order to manage the demands of the Premier League. In terms of new recruits, creativity is a must for a stagnant looking midfield.
Who could join
Despite an up and down six months at QPR, Ravel Morrison has been linked with a permanent move from West Ham. After being released by Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand have been mentioned with reuniting with Redknapp – who gave both their Premier League debuts at West Ham.
Who could leave
QPR are yet to announce their released and retained list but 13 players are out of contract this summer including goalkeeper Rob Green and play-off final hero Zamora. After another impressive season in the Premier League, Loic Remy seems certain to be leaving - potentially for Arsenal - and Brazilian Julio Cesar is expected to follow.
What the manager has said
"We're not just going to bring players in willy-nilly," said Redknapp. "We've got to make sure anyone who comes in is the right character and will come in and do a good job for the team. That's all that's important.
"And it'll be a scrap everywhere else. I've not even thought about a player. I've not even thought about what kind of player we're looking at, because you don't know what division you're going to be in."
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