Marti Cifuentes must consider handing second QPR chance to 21-goal loanee: Opinion
09/04/2025 07:35
QPR loaned out Charlie Kelman once again in the summer, sanctioning a second move to League One side Leyton Orient.
QPR have had striker Charlie Kelman on the books since 2020, bringing him in after his eye-catching breakthrough at Southend United.
The former American youth international gained early senior experience with the Shrimpers and found decent form too. As such, there was hope he could develop into a future asset for the Rs with a couple more loans away.
Unfortunately, stints with Wigan Athletic and Gillingham only brought a combined total of five goals and two assists in 40 games. To add to that, 26 first-team outings for QPR are yet to yield a goal contribution.
However, Kelman has found success in a Leyton Orient shirt, and in his second campaign on loan at Brisbane Road, the 23-year-old has enjoyed the best form of his career to date.
Kelman’s eye-catching record
With Leyton Orient battling for a place in the League One play-offs, Kelman has been a standout performer.
The QPR loanee has an impressive 17 League One goals to his name in 41 outings. His latest goals came in the 3-2 win over Mansfield Town in which he scored twice, with one being a beautiful curling strike from outside the box.
It was his 100th appearance for Orient across two season-long loans but this campaign has been his best by far. Across all competitions, he has 21 goals and four assists in 53 games, far more than any of his parent club’s current strikers – of which only one is fit and available for selection as it stands.
Food for thought
Ultimately, QPR are looking to progress. There may be reservations over giving another chance to a striker who has no goals in 26 games for the club.
However, there is no doubt that Kelman is staking a big claim for another chance at Loftus Road. The Basildon-born striker has been fantastic this season with his all-round game coming on as well as his goalscoring instincts.
Such form may well even put him on Championship radars. At the very least, top League One sides will be alerted if the Rs aren’t going to keep Kelman and give him another shot in their senior setup.
Marti Cifuentes and co must carefully consider their next Kelman steps with a decision likely to come this summer. There’s no doubt that the striker has done what he can away from West London, although he won’t be looking to slow down with five Orient games left and a play-off spot still possible.
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