Charlie Austin’s departure robbed QPR of their natural-born goalscorer – though Blackburn Rovers loanee Sam Gallagher could be an astute replacement.
Since Charlie Austin’s exit to Southampton in January last year, Queens Park Rangers’ lack of a prolific centre-forward has largely held them back. This season, Ian Holloway’s side have failed to trouble the play-offs at any stage, not helped by the fact that their top scorer has just eight league goals.
Yes, Idrissa Sylla has brought presence to the front line while Conor Washington’s good form since the turn of the year suggests that he could finally live up to expectations. But if QPR are to make a beeline for the top six next season, they need a striker capable of scoring on a more regular basis.
And although Sam Gallagher has hardly given Dwight Gayle and Chris Wood a scare at the top of the Championship goalscoring charts, the on-loan Blackburn Rovers forward could be ideal for Holloway’s system.
Strong in the air yet blessed with excellent technique and hold-up play, Gallagher is arguably the closest striker to Austin on the market at the moment.
And, if reports are to be believed, the Southampton-owned striker could on the move at the end of the season. The Chronicle claimed that Sunderland, who are looking certain to join QPR in the second tier, tracked Gallagher on numerous occasions in recent months as they target a forward capable of sprucing up an attack goalless in seven league games.
Sunderland, like QPR, will have ambitions of pushing for the top six next season and Gallagher could go some way to replacing the presence of Jermain Defoe if, as expected, he leaves when the club’s relegation is confirmed.
Though if Holloway wants a forward capable of leading the line and bringing out of the best in QPR’s impressive array of creative talent, few fit the bill better than Gallagher.
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