Queens Park Rangers fc

Queens Park Rangers Dealt Boost In Pursuit Of International Star

Published

1 month ago

May 28, 2024

Begovic would sign a one-year contract last summer, replacing the departing Seny Dieng in the process. He’d feature 45 times in the Championship for Queens Park Rangers and would captain the side on each occasion. Despite now being 36, the Bosnian showcased his class, keeping 13 clean sheets in the second tier to help his side to safety.

However, with the goalkeeper turning 37 during the summer break, the R’s may well look for a younger ‘keeper to take the starting role next term. They do have 22-year-old Joe Walsh, who started the final game of the season, within their ranks but it’s perhaps too early for him to be the number one.

As a result, the London outfit are highly likely to be in for a goalkeeper this summer and have already been heavily linked with one up-and-coming star. That being Chippa United and Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali. Fabrizio Romano stated on his Twitter (X) in March that both QPR and Saudi side Al Ettifaq displayed an interest in the ‘keeper, an interest which they supposedly still hold.

At a club level, Nwabali plays for South African side Chippa United and has kept 11 clean sheets in 26 appearances in the DStv Premiership. He’s perhaps better known for his exploits on the international circuit, where he has already gained plenty of attention.

Nwabali would start all seven of Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations games and although his side would lose 2-1 in the final to the Ivory Coast, the 27-year-old had a pretty spectacular tournament. Keeping clean sheers in four of the games, Nwabali would also star in the semi-final penalty shootout against South Africa where he’d save two penalties to push his side into the final.

The ‘keeper has rightly gained some admirers, including QPR and he now looks highly likely to leave Chippa United after the DStv Premiership ended on Sunday. Speaking to FarPost after the final day of the season, Nwabali gave a major hint to where his future lies.

“Well, everyone would love to leave because when you are in some position, you need to grow.”

“Like everyone in my position would like to grow more. I’m talking about clubs higher than this, because I have been giving my all to my club this season.

“I just wish to have another challenge at some other place.”

Although nothing is decided just yet, it seems as if the R’s could be one step closer to signing the ‘keeper with it looking highly likely that he’ll leave this summer. They will however face completion from a number of sides around the world for the Nigerian.

The number one spot is in obvious need of addressing during the transfer window with Begovic’s future up in the air. Although they do have Joe Walsh, he doesn’t quite seem ready to be the starter but is a player to watch for the future.

Nwabali starred in the AFCON and gained plenty of admirers as a result. Although at a club level he doesn’t exactly have extensive experience at a high level, his international caps count for a lot. It would be a signing which has risks attached but likewise could be one that works out very well.

At 27 years-of-age, he’ll be expected to be coming into his prime years and could well be the long-term future number one at QPR if able to adjust to a new scenery in England.