Harry Redknapp doesn’t expect Loic Remy and Adel Taarabt to return to Loftus Road, paving the way for them to remain at their temporary clubs.
Following relegation from the Premier League last season, it was always likely that Queens Park Rangers would lose a number of their top players. Taarabt, who on his day can be brilliant, has stayed in London to spend the current season with Fulham, whilst striker Remy has joined Newcastle United for the duration of the campaign.
Should Redknapp lead the Hoops to an instant return to the top-flight, he has the option to recall both players to his squad. The Moroccan playmaker is under contract at Loftus Road until the summer of 2016, whilst the France international, who only joined from Marseille in January, will have another three years left on his deal by the end of the season.
Both would doubtlessly be key members of the QPR side should they rejoin their parent club, but Redknapp has now revealed that neither is likely to pull on the jersey again. Instead, the Rangers boss has wished the pair the best of luck, and claimed they are welcome to remain at their temporary clubs if deals can be agreed.
“Remy wanted to go to Newcastle, so good luck to him. I hope he does well,” he told the Shields Gazette. “He’s not in my thoughts. I only want people who are here and want to be here, that’s all I’m concerned with. Taarabt and all those who’ve gone on loan, good luck to them. I hope they do well, stay where they are and get a contract there.”
Other players who left QPR on loan during the summer include Park Ji-Sung, who returned to PSV Eindhoven, Esteban Granero (Real Sociedad), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla), and Tal Ben Haim (Toronto). In total, 23 players left the club, some of whom were released on free transfers, yet this hasn’t prevented the team making a good start to the season.
After nine matches Redknapp’s side remain unbeaten, and are level with Burnley and Leicester City on 23 points at the head of the table with a game in hand. And they will expect to maintain this form on Saturday afternoon when Barnsley, who are bottom of the table having lost seven of their 10 matches, visit the capital.
