QPR Could Be Set to Lose Dieng Through African Cup of Nations

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QPR’s Seny Dieng has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship over the last two seasons.

Since making his debut for the Rs in September 2020, he has recorded 14 clean sheets and earlier this year he made his first starting appearance for Senegal.

Hoops manager Mark Warburton may have to plan for losing Dieng through the month of January and possibly into early February as Senegal have qualified for the 2021 African Cup of Nations. Unless he picks up an injury before then, Dieng looks certain to make his nation’s squad for that tournament.

It will be a big blow to the Hoops at a crucial point of the season. QPR are 5/1 in the EFL Championship betting with Betfair for promotion. They will be hoping for a top six finish at the very least at the end of the campaign. Jordan Archer is the back-up ‘keeper in the west London club’s squad. The Scotland international joined QPR from Middlesbrough last summer on a two-year deal. He played in the two League Cup games this season.

Warburton may use the January transfer window to bring in extra cover, possibly with a loan signing until Dieng returns from international duty.

Linked To Premier League Clubs

Dieng was linked with a move away from QPR during the summer transfer window, but QPR were able to keep hold of their number one shot-stopper. Sheffield United was one of the clubs thought to be interested in his services.

Reports suggested the Yorkshire club wanted Dieng as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who they sold to Arsenal back in August. They opted to sign Everton’s Robin Olsen on loan which halted their interest in Dieng for now. Dieng signed for QPR in 2016 but he had to remain patient until he got his chance with the first team. He had loan spells at Whitehawk, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Stevenage, Dundee and Doncaster Rovers before playing for his parent club. 

If a Premier League club were to come in for Dieng in the future, it could take at least £12 million for QPR to agree to sell their highly-rated star. He penned a new four-year deal back in 2020.

Senegal Have Big Chance of Winning African Cup of Nations

Senegal are one of the favourites to win the 2021 African Cup of Nations, so it looks set to be a great opportunity for the QPR man. His nation were runners-up in 2002 and 2019 but this may be their best chance yet of getting their hands on the trophy.

Dieng made his debut for Senegal in a 1-1 draw with Eswatini in an African Cup of Nations qualifier back in March. They finished top of their group with 14 points from their six games.

Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy is likely to be the first-choice goalkeeper in January at the finals, with Dieng being his chief back-up. The Blues ‘keeper has been in fantastic form for his club this season so it will be a great experience for the QPR to train and work alongside his compatriot during the tournament.

The final of the 2021 African Cup of Nations takes place on the 6th February so that is the furthest QPR could be without their number one ‘keeper.