Huddersfield Town need a goalkeeper this summer – and former fans’ favourite and local lad Alex Smithies could be tempted away from Queens Park Rangers.
When Alex Smithies committed himself to Queens Park Rangers until 2020 recently, stating how content he and his family were with life in the capital, it appeared that the club would be able to ward off any suitors this summer.
However, the highly-rated goalkeeper, a bonafide penalty-saving specialist, now appears to be facing an uncertain future at Loftus Road.
According to Get West London, Smithies may be tempted by a return to former club Huddersfield Town if they beat Reading in the play-off final at the end of this month. Even the most ardent QPR supporters would surely understand the shot-stopper being tempted by Premier League football at his hometown club.
With loanee Danny Ward returning to Liverpool at the end of a fine loan spell, The Terriers will be in need of reinforcements between the sticks – regardless of which division they find themselves in next season.
Huddersfield’s Danny Ward
And Director of Football Les Ferdinand will have hardly calmed any QPR fans’ fears by admitting that the club may have to sell before they buy this summer.
“We have to be realistic about where we are, and do everything we can to ensure we achieve value for money on any transfer business,” Ferdinand said in quotes reported by Get West London.
“We are working to a tight budget so in order for us to go out and buy players, we may need to sell to raise funds.”
It’s clear that QPR need additions this summer after finishing a disappointing 18th in the Championship, the two point buffer above relegated Blackburn Rovers far too close for comfort.
However, the goalkeeping department is arguably the only position the club do not need to strengthen this summer – therefore, it appears unlikely that the talismanic Smithies could be sold to improve QPR’s options elsewhere.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand’s claims may just tempt Huddersfield into a bid.
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