MY own club Queens Park Rangers are under severe Financial Fair Play restrictions at the moment.
But that wasn’t always the case. Indeed, we made some huge signings in years gone by – particularly amidst our Premier League flirtations during the early part of the last decade. These guys featured heavily in football betting.
Here is my analysis of the top 10 most expensive signings in QPR’s history…
Chris Samba - £12.5 million
A towering centre-back, Samba completed his move to Loftus Road from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala on 31st January 2013.
Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp said at the time: “Chris is a proper defender. A real monster! He is just what we need so this is an unbelievable signing. Chris is great in the air, quick, a leader, strong, fantastic in both boxes and as hard as nails.”
Samba himself said: “I know what is going on with the project here at QPR. There is a very important fan base - I've played at Loftus Road before and it’s fantastic.”
Unfortunately, Samba failed to make an impact for the R’s and he returned to Anzhi Makhachkala for a similar fee in July 2013 having made just 10 appearances in the Premier League.
Loic Remy - £8 million
French striker Loic Remy attracted heavy betting when scoring on his debut for Queens Park Rangers in our 1-1 draw away to West Ham United in the Premier League on 19th January 2013. We had signed 26 year old Remy from Marseille three days beforehand.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp said: “I’m delighted to bring Loic in – he’s a great buy for us. He’s got the potential to be a really outstanding striker. Loic has always been a player I’ve really admired. I’ve watched him on so many occasions throughout the last few years.”
Remy made 15 starts for the R’s and scored six goals. He spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Newcastle United before leaving Loftus Road permanently to sign for Chelsea for £10.5 million in August 2014.
Stephane Mbia - £5 million
On 31st August 2012, Cameroon midfield man Mbia moved to Loftus Road from Marseille.
Mbia said: “It’s a new challenge to enjoy at QPR. I always aim as high as possible. I am excited but calm over this move. I will discover another world.”
He played 31 games for us before joining Sevilla on loan a year later. Mbia then underwent a permanent move to Sevilla on 1st August 2014.
Bobby Zamora - £4.8 million
Queens Park Rangers recruited experienced striker Zamora from Fulham on 31st January 2012.
Hoops boss Mark Hughes said: “Bobby makes things happen on the pitch in terms of scoring goals and creating chances for others with his great power and pace. We needed someone of his ilk because he is a superb foil for any team.”
Zamora slashed home the last minute winner for 10 man Rangers to cement our 1-0 victory over Derby County in 2014’s Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
Overall, Zamora netted 14 QPR goals before departing to Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer in August 2015.
Ale Faurlin - £3.5 million
In July 2009, QPR signed midfielder Faurlin from Argentine club Instituto. He quickly became a firm favourite with the Loftus Road crowd due to his elegant displays.
The gifted maestro graced 40 League appearances for Rangers in our 2010/11 Championship promotion winning season.
In total, he amassed 163 games for the Hoops before moving on to Getafe in August 2016.
Mike Sheron - £2.75 million
A former England under-21 international, Sheron joined the R’s from Stoke City in July 1997 establishing our club record fee at the time.
He played 69 times for QPR and scored 20 goals. Moved on to Barnsley for £1.5 million in January 1999.
John Spencer - £2.3 million
In November 1996, Scottish international striker Spencer joined us from Chelsea. He scored 24 times in 54 appearances for QPR.
His most celebrated strike was the last minute equaliser in our 4-4 draw at Port Vale after we trailed 4-0 at half-time. Moved on to Everton for £1.5 million in May 1998.
Mark Hateley - £1.5 million
Former England international centre-forward Hateley transferred from Glasgow Rangers in October 1995 approaching his 34th birthday.
He was injured when he first signed and struggled with his fitness after that. Only started 21 games for QPR and scored five goals. Switched back to Glasgow Rangers for £400,000 in March 1997.
Ned Zelic - £1.25 million
August 1995 saw Australian international midfielder Zelic move to Loftus Road from Borussia Dortmund of Germany. Queens Park Rangers boss Ray Wilkins famously said at the time: “Ned is as versatile as an egg.”
However, Zelic only made three starting appearances for the R’s before penning a £750,000 deal with Eintracht Frankfurt in March 1996.
Simon Osborne - £1.1 million
Midfield man Osborne joined us from Reading during August 1995. But he couldn’t gain a regular place in our team, only starting seven games for the R’s and scoring once.
Sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £1.1 million four months later.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
