French goalkeeper Paul Nardi signed for QPR in the 2024 summer transfer window following successful spells at Cercle Brugge, Leyton Orient and Gent, among other clubs. The 31-year-old made 45 Championship appearances in his debut campaign for the Rs but now finds his future uncertain. Clubs in France and Belgium are said to be keeping tabs on the Frenchman’s evolving situation, as QPR look to offload the player.
An Unimpressive Season For Paul Nardi
Perhaps best referred to as a traditional shot-stopper, Nardi hasn’t pulled up any trees since his arrival at Loftus Road. Despite ranking in the top 12% of goalkeepers for saves across the 2024/25 season, his save percentage was a dismal 64.8%. Furthermore, two key weaknesses in his game indicate that Nardi is not the man to carry QPR into their new era under Julien StĂ©phan.Â
Rangers fans often bemoaned Nardi’s inability to deal with crosses and corners. In a division where balls are often placed on top of the keeper, this was a real Achilles heel for the Superhoops last season.
The Frenchman has also struggled with his feet since his arrival in English football. Nardi’s short passing was lacking throughout the campaign, and new head coach Julien Stéphan prefers his goalkeepers to be able to play short if necessary. Nardi’s issues in this regard also meant that former coach Marti Cifuentes was forced to favour long balls from the back, going against his ideals.
The Right Call?
Should QPR offload Paul Nardi, they will likely receive a decent fee to bolster their transfer aspirations. Although it is not known for sure, Nardi’s deal looks set to expire at the end of the 25/26 season and QPR already have a succession plan in place. It is understandable that the Rs would look to cash in while they can. However, one can’t help but feel that Rangers should stick with the Frenchman for one more season.
Young goalkeeper Murphy Cooper impressed on loan at Stevenage last season, finishing with an impressive sixteen clean sheets in thirty-seven appearances in League One. Yet, the 23-year-old has already been loaned out to Barnsley for the upcoming campaign. This leaves Joe Walsh as the main candidate to be Rangers number 1 in the case of Nardi’s departure.
Walsh has made just two appearances at Championship level and only a further eight in the EFL, looking unimpressive despite the potential QPR’s hierarchy see in him. Walsh signed a new deal in June but would be best suited to a loan move lower in the league pyramid to gain more experience. Paul Nardi has made over 300 senior appearances, and his experience cannot be understated for a QPR squad with just two other players over the age of thirty.Â
Thus, Rangers’ sudden inclination to sell Nardi feels rushed and underthought. Murphy Cooper seems ready made to take the number one shirt for 26/27, and QPR would be best served sticking with Nardi in the interim.
Written by Amar Topan (@W12Amar on X)
